Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food that’s both delicious and ridiculously simple to prepare? Look no further than this delightful One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice. With just one pan, you’ll have a hearty meal that delivers bold flavors and leaves minimal clean-up behind.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal clean-up allows you to enjoy your dinner without the dishwashing spree.
- Bold Flavors: The smoked sausage infuses the rice with a rich, savory flavor that dances on your palate.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that both kids and adults will adore, making it a perfect household staple.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have a complete meal in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an enticingly aromatic dish. Each component plays its role in building flavor and texture, making every bite a true delight.
- Smoked Sausage: Sliced into rounds, this is the star ingredient that adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish.
- Onion: Diced to integrate seamlessly, it softens during cooking, providing a sweet base flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and sweetness that balances the smoky sausage.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it enhances the richness of the sausage and vegetables.
- Paprika & Oregano: These spices deliver warmth and an earthy aroma.
- Garlic Powder: Simplifies the cooking process while ensuring you have that aromatic garlic flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Used instead of water to add even more flavor—opt for low sodium.
- White Rice: Long grain is ideal for a fluffy texture; it absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- Tomato Paste: Gives a hint of tanginess and a deeper color.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice your own. It’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs without any fuss.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños if you’re craving some heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese just before serving for extra creaminess.
How to Make One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice
Step 1: Prep and Sauté
Start by slicing your kielbasa into ¼ inch rounds, followed by dicing the onion and red bell pepper. In a small bowl, mix your spices—paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—and set aside. Now, heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until both sides are nicely browned, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Sauté the diced onions next, until they’re soft and starting to brown.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
Once your onions are ready, add the chicken broth, rice, tomato paste, bell pepper, and your pre-mixed spices to the pan. Stir well to ensure everything’s combined. Increase the heat until the mixture begins to boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing it to simmer. Cook for about 20-23 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. If there’s a little liquid left when the rice is cooked, that’s perfectly fine. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for that final pop of freshness.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice
- Rice Perfection: Rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier texture.
- Sausage Browning: Don’t rush the sausage browning step—it releases flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Tailor the Salt: Keep in mind the saltiness of your broth and sausage when adding additional salt to the dish.
- Herbal Finish: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top can add a bright finish to the dish.
How to Serve One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice
Garnishes
Consider topping your One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice with fresh chopped green onions or parsley. The burst of color and fresh flavors balance beautifully with the hearty sausage and rich spices.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add a light, nutritious element to the meal. A crusty bread works wonders to soak up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice in a large, colorful bowl to highlight its vibrant ingredients, or use individual ramekins to give each person their own mini entrée for a special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prepping or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a pot over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if needed to prevent the rice from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid quantities as brown rice takes longer to cook.
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What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure all veggies are tender.
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Does this recipe work with other types of sausage?
Absolutely! Try it with different sausages such as chorizo or andouille for a varied taste experience.
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What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large sauté pan or skillet with a tight-fitting lid is best to ensure even cooking and easy clean-up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a dish that brings bold flavors and simple techniques together, and this One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice does just that. Whether you’re looking to impress on a busy weeknight or just want something deliciously easy, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and let your kitchen fill with the inviting aromas of homemade goodness. Happy cooking!
Print
One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining smoky sausage, colorful vegetables, and tender rice, all cooked together to perfection for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 14 ounces smoked sausage (kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup onion, diced (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup white long grain rice
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage and vegetables: Slice the kielbasa into ¼-inch thick rounds. Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces, about ¼ to ½ inch.
- Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or 12-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on both sides, stirring occasionally.
- Add vegetables: Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until onions start to brown and soften. Then add the diced bell pepper and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Add liquids and rice: Pour in chicken broth, add rice, tomato paste, and the spice mixture. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
- Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20-23 minutes until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, let sit for a couple of minutes, then top with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage like kielbasa for authentic flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
- Ensure to keep the heat at low during simmering to prevent burning the rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish works well with rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
