If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s as colorful as it is flavorful, this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is truly a keeper. It’s one-pan comfort food at its best: juicy rounds of smoked sausage, sautéed sweet bell peppers, fluffy rice, and a vibrant blend of seasonings that all come together in under an hour. Whether you use spicy Andouille, savory kielbasa, or your favorite turkey sausage, you’ll love how each bite offers something a little different — smoky, garlicky, slightly spicy, and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or easy meal prep, this dish checks all the boxes and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe are simple staples that pack a punch. Each one plays a role in bringing out big flavors, crisp textures, and that crave-worthy mix of savory and slightly sweet notes.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve those irresistible browned edges on the sausage and veggies.
- Smoked sausage: Use beef, pork, turkey, or chicken — the smokiness infuses every bite and really defines the dish.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a hint of sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Green bell pepper: Offers balance with its earthy, slightly bitter flavor.
- Yellow onion: Adds aromatic depth and a little background sweetness as it caramelizes.
- Garlic cloves: Nothing beats fresh garlic for that extra oomph of savory flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil ties the whole skillet together.
- Smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky flavor and gives a gorgeous color.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Crank up the heat if you like things a little spicy.
- Salt and black pepper: For perfectly balanced seasoning, don’t skip these!
- Long-grain white rice: Fluffy and classic — it soaks up the broth and all those lovely pan juices.
- Chicken broth or water: Chicken broth brings extra flavor, but water works great in a pinch.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, herby finishing touch and a beautiful plate.
How to Make Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are deeply browned and caramelized. This quick browning adds incredible flavor to your Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe and sets the stage for those delicious, savory bites. Transfer the browned sausage to a plate and set aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onion
In the same skillet (no need to clean out those tasty browned bits), toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers and the onion. Sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender yet still a little crisp around the edges. This step helps to sweeten the peppers and give your dish that irresistible color and texture.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Make a little space in your skillet and add the minced garlic. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for just about a minute. This is when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing, thanks to all those fragrant spices blooming in the oil.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Pour the uncooked long-grain white rice straight into the skillet. Stir well to get the rice coated in all those pan juices and seasonings, then let it toast for 1 to 2 minutes. This step brings a subtle nuttiness to your Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe and helps to keep your rice fluffy when it cooks.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth
Now, pour in the chicken broth (or water, if that’s what you have). Give everything a good stir and bring it up to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let the whole mixture simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up the flavorful liquid, and the veggies will become perfectly tender.
Step 6: Add Sausage and Finish
Uncover the skillet and check that your rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir the browned sausage back into the skillet and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just to heat it through and let all the flavors come together. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a little freshness and color. At this point, your Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
This dish shines with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, which brightens every plate and makes the colors pop. For a fancier touch, add a little grated parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to cut through the richness and add extra vibrancy.
Side Dishes
While Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is delicious all on its own, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or crusty bread for mopping up any extra pan juices are all fantastic choices, making dinner even more complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe into colorful bowls for a rustic, family-style meal, or serve it in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist. For meal prep, divide into containers for grab-and-go lunches that reheat beautifully. You can even pack it into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for an eye-catching stuffed pepper variation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep exceptionally well. Simply scoop any extra Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, so the dish is just as enjoyable reheated for a hearty lunch or quick weeknight dinner.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, let the dish cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Pop them in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results — it’s a meal prep dream come true!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat your Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water. This helps bring the rice back to life and keeps everything moist and delicious. Just stir occasionally for even heating and you’re good to go!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but you’ll need to increase both the liquid and the cooking time. Plan on adding a half cup more broth and simmering for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
What’s the best type Main Course
It’s totally up to your taste buds — beef, pork, turkey, or chicken all work beautifully. Andouille brings a spicy kick, kielbasa offers a milder profile, and turkey or chicken are great for lighter fare.
Is this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your smoked sausage is certified gluten-free (check the packaging), this dish is naturally gluten-free and safe for those avoiding wheat products.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to toss in extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just keep the total amount the same, so the rice-to-vegetable ratio stays in balance.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No problem — water works perfectly fine, though broth adds a little extra flavor. If you want an added bump of savoriness, stir in a teaspoon of bouillon powder or a splash of white wine with the water.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something easy, colorful, and brimming with flavor, give this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe a spot on your table. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the kitchen, and I just know it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Print
Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious one-pan meal featuring smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant rice cooked to perfection in a savory broth. This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz smoked sausage (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken), sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced peppers and onion. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until tender.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- For added flavor, swap water for broth and try fire-roasted tomatoes for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
