Easy Weeknight Dinner

Sausage and Rice Recipe

A cozy one pan meal with juicy sausage, tender vegetables, and fluffy rice in a savory herb broth.

The moment this sausage and rice dish hits the table, your kitchen fills with a warm, herby aroma and the promise of a hearty, satisfying dinner. Each bite offers a juicy snap from the browned sausage and a creamy tender bite from the rice soaked in flavorful broth.

This is the kind of meal you want on a busy weeknight when you need something comforting but not fussy, and it is perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead.

I first made this version while testing how easily I could stretch a few simple ingredients into a full dinner, and it quickly became a trusted staple in my rotation because it is reliable, customizable, and deeply satisfying.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time15 mins

🔥Cook Time30 mins

🕐Total Time45 mins

🍰Servings4 servings

🇺🇸CuisineAmerican inspired

🔢Calories~420 per serving

Ingredients

1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

1 and 1/2 cups long grain white rice or jasmine rice

3 cups chicken broth, warm

1 cup water

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium carrot, diced

1 cup frozen peas

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Substitutions & Variations

★Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for variety

★Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to lower the carbs

★Replace the sausage with diced cooked chicken or ground beef

★Add diced bell pepper or zucchini instead of carrots

★Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary instead of dried

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the crumbled sausage, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

2

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced carrot to the same skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to warm through. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables.

3

Toast the Rice

Add the rice to the skillet, stirring well so every grain is coated in the flavorful fat and vegetables. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the rice edges turn translucent, which helps each kernel cook evenly later.

4

Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the warm chicken broth and water, stirring to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Those bits add deep flavor, so stir until the pan is mostly clear.

5

Simmer the Rice

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer without lifting the lid. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid evenly and become fluffy.

6

Cook Until Rice Is Tender

After 18 to 20 minutes, check the rice; it should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. If it is still firm, add a splash of water, cover, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until done.

7

Fluff and Finish

Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice and sausage gently with a fork so the pieces stay distinct and the texture stays light.

8

Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the sausage and rice into bowls, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Baker Tips

✓For extra flavor, use homemade or low sodium broth and add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

✓Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks; trapping the steam is key to fluffy grains

✓Let the dish sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing to finish absorbing any remaining liquid

✓For meal prep, cool completely, portion into containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days

✓Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a tablespoon of water to refresh the texture

Storage & Serving Notes

◆Cool quickly, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

◆Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water, until hot throughout

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty sausage and rice dish straight from the skillet for a cozy weeknight dinner.

›Pair with a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

›Top with shredded cheddar or grated Parmesan

›Serve with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce

›Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can, but use 2 and 1/4 cups of liquid and simmer for about 35 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender, adding a little extra broth or water as needed.

What if the dish becomes too thick while cooking?

Add a splash of hot broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, and let it simmer until the rice reaches your preferred fluffiness.

Can I make this in a rice cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the rice cooker with the broth and rice and cook on the white rice setting.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave with a damp paper towel and a splash of broth to keep it moist.

🍽️

Go Make It!

This sausage and rice recipe is a reliable, crowd pleasing dinner that feels special without any stress. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the compliments from everyone at the table.