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Needed a filling dinner fast and came up with this one-pan mix of smoky sausage, fresh peppers, and fluffy rice. Everything cooks together, so the flavors mesh in the best way. You’d think it took forever, but nope, just half an hour! I started making this after I got bored of my usual meals, but needed something easy with what I already had in the fridge.
I was shocked when my kids, who usually whine about veggies, went back for seconds. They didn’t even try picking out the peppers! My picky middle schooler even asked for another helping next time. That never happens when something new’s on the table.
Essential Ingredients
- White rice: Cook this first, separate from everything else, so it stays soft and fluffy
- Colorful bell peppers: Red and yellow peppers make it bright and bring a sweet kick
- Tomato paste: Pulls it all together with a deep, rich flavor
- Simple seasonings: Little paprika and cayenne heat things up a touch
- Basic aromatics: Onion and garlic are in there to get everything tasty from the start
- Smoked sausage: Here’s where most of the flavor comes in—can’t skip this one!
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Simple Step-by-Step
- Mix it all up at the end
- Add the steamed rice, the sausage you browned earlier, and any broth you held back. Mix until the whole skillet is a big, happy pile of rice, sausage, and veggies. Let it sit just long enough for the rice to soak up the sauce, but keep it fluffy.
- Finish the sauce
- Toss in your tomato paste and about three-quarters of a cup of chicken broth. Whisk it around so everything looks saucy. After a few, stir in the paprika and cayenne so it’s got a nice little spice to it.
- Soften the veggies
- Throw the peppers and onion into the same pan with all that tasty sausage flavor leftover. Give them 4-5 minutes until soft, then garlic, salt, and pepper join the party. Wait for that good garlic smell—don’t let it burn!
- Sear the sausage
- Get your cast iron skillet hot with a splash of olive oil. Slice up sausage, cook both sides till they’re browned and tasty (about 5 minutes). Take them out and wait—the flavor’s worth it.
- Cook the rice
- First up, rice goes into a small pot so it can get nice and fluffy. Just follow the package, but don’t rush—good rice makes the whole dish work.
I’ll say it again—really let the sausage get that brown crisp before taking it out. If you skip it, the whole skillet ends up bland. I learned the hard way and won’t make that mistake twice!
Tasty Ways to Serve
This dish totally stands alone, but if you want to round it out, grab some fresh bread or put a green salad on the table. The smoky sausage and spicy rice taste awesome with something cool and crunchy. Cold beer or a big glass of iced tea always hits the spot here, too.
Fun Twists
Switch up your sausage for whole new flavors. Italian sausage? Throw in some Italian seasoning to get a Mediterranean vibe. Andouille with Cajun spices? You’re headed to Louisiana. Try adding whatever veggies you’ve got—mushrooms or zucchini both work great.
Leftovers & Storage
Pop the leftovers in the fridge and they’ll keep a few days. Just add a little more broth or water when you warm them up, so nothing dries out. You can even freeze it for a couple months; just let it thaw overnight and reheat gentle over low heat.
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This skillet dinner is one of those weeknight wins nobody gets tired of. You use stuff you usually keep around, and it turns into something truly satisfying. No fancy tools or oddball groceries needed. Sometimes the best comfort food is the stuff that’s just easy, fast, and good enough to make everyone happy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Is it possible to cook uncooked rice directly in the pan?
- Sure thing! Just stir in the raw rice with about 2½ cups of broth and leave it to simmer with the lid on for around 18-20 minutes until the liquid's gone and the rice is ready.
- → What veggies work well in this dish?
- Throw in zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or green beans. Add firmer options like carrots with the peppers, and softer ones near the end of cooking.
- → How do I make this dish pack more heat?
- Crank up the cayenne, toss in some chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers, or switch to spicy sausage like chorizo or hot Italian varieties.
- → Can I make this meal gluten-free?
- Yep! Just confirm your sausage doesn't contain any gluten (some brands sneak it into the fillers). The rest of this dish is naturally gluten-free.
- → Can I switch to brown rice in this dish?
- Go for it! Just know brown rice takes longer to cook. Follow your rice package's instructions for time, and expect a nuttier flavor with a slightly firmer texture.