Looking for a delicious weeknight meal that comes together in about 30 minutes? This Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet makes meal prep easier than ever, as everything is whipped up all in one pot! It’s a quick and easy dinner that your family will love, bringing comfort food to your kitchen in no time.
Ingredients Breakdown
What You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground sausage: I usually go for a mild or spicy option, but you can choose your favorite!
- 1 medium onion, diced: This adds a sweet and savory base to our dish.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Grab any color you have on hand; red, green, or yellow will work beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
- Salt and pepper, to taste: A couple of pinches is all you need!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Try to find those with herbs added for extra flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth: You can also use veggie broth if you prefer.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: This keeps the dish light and fluffy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami flavors.
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese: The best part, melted cheese on top!
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Totally optional, but it gives a lovely pop of color!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and gather everything for easy access. This just makes it all smoother when it’s time to cook!
Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink and is slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off. We want the flavor, not the grease!
Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook those beauties, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, oh, that aroma is divine!
Add Tomatoes and Broth
Now it’s time to pour the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir to combine all those yummy flavors!
Incorporate Rice and Worcestershire Sauce
Add in the uncooked rice and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well so that the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. This is where the magic begins!
Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, this is exciting! Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. You can lift the lid about halfway to give it a stir, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom to mix in all that deliciousness.
Add Cheese
Once the rice is tender, sprinkle that shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is all melty and wonderful. Seriously, what’s better than melted cheese?
Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with chopped parsley for that fresh touch. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting meal that’s sure to please!
If you loved this Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet, be sure to check out my Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole, my One-Pot Taco Pasta, or my Creamy Mushroom Risotto!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes! This Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet is the epitome of quick and easy when it comes to meal prep.
One Pot
With everything cooked in one pot, you’ll be enjoying a delicious dinner while minimizing cleanup, a win-win for busy weeknights!
Budget-Friendly
This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, making it both delicious and economical.
Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is its customizable nature! If you’re out of rice, you can use quinoa or couscous; if peppers ain’t your thing, snap peas work too. Totally your call!
Comfort Food
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for your family. Seriously, it’s like a cozy meal in a skillet!
How to Serve This Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet
Serving Suggestions
This skillet meal pairs well with a simple garden salad or steamed veggies for a balanced dinner. If you want some crunch, a side of tortilla chips goes perfectly!
Storage
Leftovers? No problem! This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or you can warm it up on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth to bring the moisture back if it seems a bit dry.
Freezer Friendly
You can freeze this dish, too! If you’ve got a busy week ahead, make a double batch. Just let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
And when you’re ready for that comforting goodness again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Now that I’ve shared my favorite Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe, you’ve got everything you need for a fabulous weeknight dinner. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love (and the aromatic smells of your favorite meals)!
Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and gather everything for easy access.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Cook until no longer pink and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes, and drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring the rice is submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
- Once the rice is tender, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top, cover for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.