Description

This One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner is a simple, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining smoky sausage with tender rice and vibrant vegetables, it cooks entirely in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing taste. The dish features sautéed smoked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all simmered with paprika and herbs in chicken broth to create a hearty, comforting dinner for four.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage, sliced (beef or turkey sausage works great)
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice
2 ¼ cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (optional)

Chopped green onions or parsley

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Instructions

Brown the sausage: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides to bring out its smoky flavor. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside.
Sauté vegetables: Using the same pot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Add and toast rice and spices: Stir in the uncooked long grain white rice, paprika, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toast the rice mixture for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavors and slightly nutty taste.
Simmer with broth and sausage: Pour in the chicken broth and return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Rest and garnish: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

You can substitute smoked sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Bell peppers of any color work well, so use your favorite or what you have on hand.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the spices.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, ensure the sausage and chicken broth are labeled gluten-free.
This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.