One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

This One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe is about to swoop in and save your busy weeknight! It’s a smoky, savory, and colorful comfort food classic—all in one skillet and ready in a snap. With hearty slices of kielbasa, tender rice, and veggies cooked together in a burst of flavor, you’ll have a wholesome dinner the whole family will love without piles of dishes.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe such a winner is how each simple ingredient brings something to the table. From the rich smokiness of the sausage to the gentle heat of paprika, every bite is full of color, texture, and crave-worthy flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need!

• Smoked sausage (kielbasa): This is the hero ingredient! Sliced into rounds, it brings delicious smoky depth and a hearty, meaty bite to every spoonful.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a sweet, savory base that enhances all the flavors as it softens and caramelizes in the pan.
• Red bell pepper: For a pop of color, subtle sweetness, and just the right amount of crunch—plus, red bell peppers pair beautifully with sausage.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it gives the sausage a golden crust and helps the onion and pepper cook perfectly.
• Paprika (smoked if possible): Adds a gentle, smoky spice—smoked paprika takes the flavor even deeper, so use it if you have it!
• Oregano: This Mediterranean herb lifts the whole dish with an herby brightness.
• Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, all-over garlic flavor without overwhelm.
• Salt & black pepper: Key for seasoning everything evenly and rounding out the flavors.
• Chicken broth (low sodium): The perfect liquid for cooking the rice, infusing it with even more savory flavor than water alone.
• Long grain white rice: Soaks up the smoky, herby broth and turns fluffy-tender—don’t use instant rice here for best texture.
• Tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang, a touch of richness, and a beautiful reddish color to the finished rice.

Variations

The One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe is your ticket to dinner flexibility! It’s incredibly easy to mix and match based on what’s in your fridge, your dietary needs, or whatever flavors your tastebuds are craving. Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch things up:

• Spicy Cajun Twist: Swap regular smoked sausage for Andouille and sprinkle in a pinch of Cajun seasoning for extra heat and Southern flair.
• Veggie-Loaded: Toss in a handful of spinach, peas, or diced zucchini in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a greener, more nutritious dish.
• Brown Rice Option: Use brown rice for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, but be sure to add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and extend the cooking time to ensure it cooks through.
• Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free and easily gluten-free if you check your sausage and broth labels—no special swaps needed!

How to Make One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by slicing your smoked sausage into ¼-inch rounds—this lets those irresistible caramelized edges develop! Dice the onion and red bell pepper into even, bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together so they’re ready to sprinkle in later. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process a breeze.

Step 2: Sear the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa slices and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned and aromatic. Toss in your onions and let them cook for 3–4 minutes, until they’re softened and starting to caramelize. The aroma will make your kitchen smell incredible!

Step 3: Add Everything to the Pot

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the rice, tomato paste, diced red bell pepper, and your premixed spices. Give everything a thorough stir to ensure the rice and seasonings are evenly distributed. This is where all the flavors start melding together, infusing the rice and veggies with that deep, smoky essence.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the whole skillet to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for 20–23 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Don’t worry if there’s a bit of moisture at the bottom—the rice is meant to be luscious, not dry!

Step 5: Fluff and Finish

Remove the lid and give the rice a gentle fluff with a fork. Top with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and bask in the applause!

How to Serve One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top really makes this One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe pop. If you’d like extra zip, a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce right before serving creates a bright, mouthwatering finish.

Side Dishes

This hearty main dish is practically a meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, pair with a simple green salad, crisp steamed green beans, or some warm, crusty bread to mop up every last flavor-packed bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe family-style in the skillet right at the table for cozy, rustic vibes. For a fun twist, scoop into individual bowls and top each with a fried egg or a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce for a bistro-inspired upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Just portion cooled rice and sausage into airtight containers or freezer bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and cozy dinner.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth to loosen the rice and revive all those fabulous flavors. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort on a busy night, give this One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe a try. It’s simple, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to become a staple at your table. Gather your favorite people and dig in—you’re going to love every spoonful!

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