Description
This hearty and flavorful Sausage and Rice Skillet is a one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Italian sausage is browned and combined with sautéed vegetables, long-grain white rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, then simmered to tender perfection for a comforting and balanced dish packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. This step develops the rich base flavor of the dish.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, adding freshness and sweetness to balance the sausage.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the long-grain rice to coat it with the flavorful oil and sausage juices. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the rice steams properly.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the skillet mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing the layers of flavor before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made with either mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure to use gluten-free chicken broth.
- To make it a complete meal, consider adding cooked vegetables like zucchini or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry.
