When my kids were little, I was always looking for meals that were quick to make but still packed with flavor. One night, I threw together some smoked sausage, rice, and a few spices, and the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet was born. It became an instant favorite in our house. The smoky sausage, spicy Cajun seasoning, and tender rice made it a dish everyone loved. Now, years later, it’s still one of my go-to recipes when I need something easy and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home, and I’m excited to share it with you.
History of Sausage and Rice Skillet
Sausage and rice dishes have been a staple in Southern and Cajun cooking for generations. They were born out of necessity, using simple, affordable ingredients like smoked sausage, rice, and spices. This skillet version is a modern take on those traditional recipes, making it easy to prepare while keeping all the bold flavors intact.
Why Sausage and Rice Skillet?
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. It’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is a breeze, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level, add your favorite veggies, or even swap the type of sausage to suit your taste.
What is Sausage and Rice Skillet Made Of?
The dish is made with smoked sausage, long-grain rice, Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. It’s a simple combination of ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and filling meal.
What to Have with Sausage and Rice Skillet
This skillet meal is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A side of cornbread or crusty bread
- A simple green salad
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
Is Sausage and Rice Skillet Healthy?
It can be, depending on the ingredients you use. Opt for lean turkey sausage, brown rice, and low-sodium chicken broth to make it healthier. The dish also includes vegetables like bell peppers and onions, which add nutrients and fiber.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan with a lid
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice in the spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot smoked sausage.
- If you prefer brown rice, adjust the cooking time and add more broth as needed.
- Add other veggies like zucchini, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Andouille sausage, chicken sausage, or even ground sausage work well in this recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice level, depending on the Cajun seasoning and sausage you use. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Conclusion
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to recipe!
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
When my kids were little, I was always looking for meals that were quick to make but still packed with flavor. One night, I threw together some smoked sausage, rice, and a few spices, and the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet was born. It became an instant favorite in our house. The smoky sausage, spicy Cajun seasoning, and tender rice made it a dish everyone loved. Now, years later, it’s still one of my go-to recipes when I need something easy and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home, and I’m excited to share it with you.
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
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Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice in the spices.
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Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
-
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
