Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

Savor a vibrant blend of smoky kielbasa, sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlic all simmered with rich tomato juice and tender long-grain rice. The harmonizing flavors meld into a hearty dish bursting with robust aroma and authentic charm, promising a satisfying comfort meal for any occasion to delight every palate.

I created this Sausage And Rice Skillet after many experiments in my kitchen and it quickly became one of my favorite comfort meals. In this recipe, I sizzle smoky kielbasa sausage with fresh olive oil, diced red and green bell peppers, a large onion and minced garlic.

I like how the natural sweetness of the peppers contrasts with the rich flavor of the sausage. When you stir in long-grain white rice, diced tomatoes and a cup of chicken broth the skillet turns into a hearty and nutritious meal packed with protein and vitamins.

I also include a little smoked paprika, salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together. This dish reminds me of other tasty skillet meals like Sausage And Peppers Rice Skillet, and even a few recipes I call Sausage Recipes at home.

It brings a balance of nutritional value with protein, fiber and vitamins in every bite. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it has a really awesome smoky flavor that comes from the kielbasa and the veggies. It tastes super rich even though its made with simple ingredients. I also love how everything cooks in one pan which makes cleanin up way easier after a long day. Plus, I appreciate that the recipe is really flexible so I can add my own twist with extra spices or even swap out an ingredient here or there to suit my mood.

Ingredients

• Smoked kielbasa sausage: protein-rich and smoky, it brings a hearty, savory taste with a hint of spice.
• Olive oil: offers healthy fats, smoothing out flavors and helping the dish cook nicely without burning.
• Red and green bell peppers: provide essential vitamins and a fresh, crisp texture, making the dish vibrant.
• Onion: gives a sweet and mellow base flavor that deepens the overall taste in every bite.
• Garlic: adds a punchy, aromatic note that rounds out the dish with subtle, zesty heat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

2. Put the sliced kielbasa into the skillet and cook until they get a nice brown color, about 3-4 minutes each side.

3. Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the diced onion into the skillet and stir them around until they start getting tender, about 5 minutes.

4. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.

5. Stir in 1 cup rinsed long-grain white rice allowing it to lightly toast with the veggies for about a minute.

6. Pour in the 1
4.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with its juice and 1 cup chicken broth.

7. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and throw in salt and pepper to taste.

8. Give everything a good mix then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

9. Lower the heat, cover the skillet and let it cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

10. Remove from heat and if you like, garnish with fresh parsley before serving; enjoy your smoky, flavorful skillet dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet with lid – needed to cook and simmer the dish
2. Stove – for heating the skillet over medium heat
3. Knife – for slicing the kielbasa and dicing the peppers and onion
4. Cutting board – to safely chop all the vegetables and meat
5. Measuring cups – for the rice and chicken broth
6. Measuring spoons – for the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
7. Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir the ingredients during cooking
8. Can opener – to open the can of diced tomatoes if it isn’t pre-opened

FAQ

Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Smoked kielbasa: If you can’t find smoked kielbasa, try using a spicy Italian sausage or Andouille instead. They bring a similar flavor.
• Bell peppers: If red and green peppers are not available, you can use any mix of yellow or orange bell peppers. They’ll add a sweet, mild taste.
• Chicken broth: Low-sodium vegetable broth is a good substitute if you want a lighter flavor or need a poultry-free option.
• Long-grain white rice: Brown rice works too, just keep in mind that it might need some extra liquid and time to cook properly.
• Smoked paprika: In a pinch, you can use regular paprika with a dash of cumin to bring out a smoky taste.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you brown the sausage really well before adding any veggies. Getting that good crispy color helps lock in the smoky flavor and gives the dish more depth.

2. Toast the rice with the veggies for about a minute longer than the recipe calls for. Doing this helps bring out a nuttier taste in the rice and also makes it less likely to become mushy later.

3. Taste as you go and dont be afraid to add a pinch more salt or paprika if you think it needs it. Sometimes the flavors can vary based on the sausage and how long you cook the veggies.

4. After you take the skillet off the heat, let it sit covered for a few minutes. This little rest time allows the flavors to settle together so every bite tastes a bit more balanced.