If you’re searching for a hearty dinner that practically bursts with color and flavor, look no further than Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice. This is one of those blissful one-pan wonders that feels like comfort food but tastes like a vacation—smoky sausage mingling with tender onions and bell peppers, all nestled atop fluffy rice and kissed with a tangy tomato sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as perfect for weeknight meals as it is for casual get-togethers with friends. And let’s be honest—those leftovers the next day are absolute gold!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice is how it transforms easy-to-find ingredients into something truly special. Every component brings its own flair, from color and freshness to spice and heartiness—so don’t skip out on any of these essentials!
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps everything brown up beautifully in the pan.
- Smoked sausage (1 lb, sliced): The star of the dish! Choose your favorite variety—smoky, spicy, or mild.
- Yellow onion (1 large, sliced): Provides sweetness and depth as it caramelizes.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings bright color and a delicate sweetness that balances the sausage.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a fresh, grassy bite and gorgeous color contrast.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough to give the sauce irresistible aromatic warmth.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juices): Make the sauce tangy, juicy, and perfectly saucy.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that tucks a little Mediterranean vibe into each bite.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Intensifies the smokiness and brings gentle warmth without heat.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out all the flavors—taste as you go!
- Cooked rice (3 cups white or brown): The cozy base for soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped): Gives everything a burst of freshness and the prettiest pop of green.
How to Make Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage, spreading it out for even browning. Let the pieces sizzle and caramelize, about 5–6 minutes. Trust me, this quick browning step unlocks a ton of flavor and gives your dish that irresistible, savory aroma. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, keeping all those flavorful bits behind in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Peppers
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it down—you want those savory sausage juices!), toss in the sliced onion and both bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and just starting to caramelize around the edges. This step draws out their natural sweetness and helps build the base of the dish. The veggies should look vibrant and glossy at this point.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Sprinkle the minced garlic into the pan and stir for just about a minute. It’ll turn fragrant very quickly, which means the flavors are ready to mingle. Keep a close eye so the garlic doesn’t brown—just let it infuse the vegetables with its warm, aromatic notes.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Spices
Return the sausage to the skillet, then pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juices. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, then lower the heat to let it gently simmer for 10 minutes. This melds the flavors, reduces the sauce slightly, and creates a luscious blend that’s perfect for spooning over rice.
Step 5: Serve Over Rice
Spoon that glorious sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes mixture right over a steaming bed of warm rice. If you like, shower the top with a flurry of chopped parsley. Every serving is a gorgeous, colorful bowl brimming with hearty, home-cooked comfort.
How to Serve Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice
Garnishes
It’s amazing how a handful of fresh chopped parsley can wake up this entire dish with a grassy note and a pop of color. For extra appeal, try adding a squeeze of lemon, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love a bit more heat. Garnishing is your chance to customize Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice to suit your cravings or impress your dinner guests.
Side Dishes
Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice is so hearty it can be a meal all on its own, but if you’re feeling like a full family dinner, pair it with a crisp side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted green beans. Warm, crusty bread is always a welcome side for extra sauce-mopping!
Creative Ways to Present
This dish is as versatile as it is tasty. For a relaxed family dinner, pile it into deep bowls and let everyone dig in. Want to bring it to a potluck or picnic? Try serving it buffet-style with a big platter of rice and a big bowl of the sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes mixture on the side so guests can build their own bowls. Or, spoon individual portions into meal-prep containers for no-fuss, make-ahead lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice is that it tastes just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making each reheated bowl extra satisfying.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away for busy days, this meal freezes beautifully. Allow the sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes mixture to cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Freeze the rice separately for the best texture when you reheat.
Reheating
For quick lunches, microwave individual portions until steaming hot, stirring halfway through. To reheat on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth and warm over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up so everything heats evenly and stays delicious!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! Feel free to substitute turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage if you prefer. Each will bring its own delicious character to Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice, so use what you love or what you have on hand.
What kind of rice works best?
Both white and brown rice are fantastic bases for this dish. If you want a little extra chewiness and nutty flavor, brown rice is wonderful. For a low-carb version, you can even swap in cauliflower rice—just sauté it briefly before serving.
Can I make Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors meld and deepen in the fridge, making this a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the whole mixture in advance, then simply reheat and serve over fresh or reheated rice for an easy meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice is naturally gluten-free, provided your sausage and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten. Check labels if you need to be sure, especially with pre-cooked or flavored sausages.
How can I make it spicier?
For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes with the spices or use a hot variety of smoked sausage. A little hot sauce served alongside is also a tasty way for heat-lovers to dial it up.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is pure cozy satisfaction, perfect for those nights when you need something simple yet soul-warming. I hope you’ll give Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice a try soon—there’s just something magical about a generous serving scooped over fluffy rice. You might just find it becomes a new go-to in your kitchen, too!
Print
Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines the smoky goodness of sausage with the sweetness of bell peppers and the acidity of tomatoes. Served over a bed of rice, this one-pan dinner is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Chopped fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté onions and peppers: In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Combine ingredients: Return the sausage to the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend and sauce to reduce slightly.
- Serve: Serve the mixture hot over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or using spicy sausage.
- You can opt for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version of the dish.
- This recipe pairs well with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
