One Pan Sausage And Rice Dinner

Name: One Pan Sausage And Rice Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Rapid Weeknight Meals

I love cooking meals that are simple yet bursting with flavor. This One Pan Sausage And Rice Dinner is a perfect example of that. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal clean-up, I can whip up a delicious dinner that my family devours. The combination of hearty sausage and fluffy rice, all cooked together with vibrant bell peppers and seasonings, creates a comforting dish that feels just like home. Plus, it’s a great way to get everything on the table in under an hour!

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-02-10T16:03:35.868Z

When I first made this One Pan Sausage and Rice Dinner, I couldn't believe how quickly everything came together. I started by browning the sausage, which released such an amazing aroma that filled my kitchen. While that cooked, I prepped the rice and vegetables, making it a breeze to combine everything. The key is to let the rice absorb the juices from the sausage and bell peppers, intensifying the flavor with every bite.

Another tip that I learned along the way is to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the rice to firm up a bit and makes it easier to serve. The colors are vibrant, and the whole dish looks stunning when plated. I love serving this with a simple side salad to complete the meal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Comforting meal made in one pot for easy clean-up
Flavorful sausage pairs perfectly with seasoned rice
Great for busy weeknights or family gatherings

      

Perfecting the Sausage

Choosing the right sausage is key to getting the best flavor in your One Pan Sausage and Rice Dinner. I recommend opting for high-quality Italian sausage, whether sweet or spicy, depending on your preference. The fat released during cooking not only flavors the dish but also helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan. If you're looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage can work well, but be mindful that they may not impart as rich a flavor.

When browning the sausage, ensure that your skillet is nice and hot to achieve a good sear. The sausages should sizzle upon contact with the pan, allowing the outside to caramelize and develop a deep, savory flavor. If they release too much grease, it may result in a soggy dish; in that case, you could drain some excess fat before proceeding with the next steps.

Vegetable Variations

While bell peppers and onions are foundational for this recipe, you can easily customize the vegetable mix to suit your tastes or to use up leftovers. Consider adding zucchini, corn, or even spinach towards the end of cooking for added color and nutrition. If you're in a pinch, frozen bell peppers and onions can be a convenient substitute, reducing prep time while still providing flavor and texture to the dish.

When sautéing the vegetables, aim for them to soften but not fully cook through, as they will continue to simmer with the rice. This will help maintain some of their natural crunch and vibrant color, enhancing both the presentation and taste of your meal. If you're feeling adventurous, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing can introduce a slight kick.

Serving and Storing Tips

This One Pan Sausage and Rice Dinner can easily serve as a hearty standalone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to round out the dining experience. I like to garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving, as it adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the savory flavors of the dish. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of richness.

For leftovers, store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the rice's fluffy texture. If you want to make this dish in advance, you can prepare everything and freeze it before cooking. On cooking day, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the cook time as usual.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your dinner!

Main Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious dinner!

Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced Italian sausage. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Combine and Cook

Stir in the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the cooked sausage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy this one-pan creation with a fresh salad or a side of your choice!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or your favorite spices during the cooking process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your rice is still hard after the cooking time, it may need a little more liquid or additional cooking time. Just add a couple of tablespoons of broth, cover the skillet, and simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking, as this can easily happen with the starch in rice if the liquid evaporates too quickly.

Conversely, if the dish appears too watery at the end of cooking, uncover the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow some of the moisture to evaporate. This will help concentrate the flavors and achieve that desired creamy texture without feeling soupy.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is quite simple. For a larger gathering, you can double the ingredients, using a larger skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate the increased volume. Just be cautious about adjusting cooking times; larger quantities may take a few extra minutes to simmer adequately.

If you're cooking for just one or two people, you can halve the ingredients, but be sure to use a smaller pan to maintain proper heat distribution. This prevents the food from steaming instead of browning, ensuring a more flavorful outcome.

Creative Remixes

Once you master this basic recipe, feel free to get creative with seasonings. Experiment with smoked paprika or even a bit of cayenne pepper for a smoky sweetness or heat. Adding beans or peas along with the rice can boost the dish’s protein content and introduce new textures.

You can also transform leftovers into a new dish. Consider making stuffed peppers or a hearty soup by adding some broth and additional seasonings to the leftover sausage and rice mixture. This not only minimizes food waste but also gives exciting flavors a second life!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to try chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or any other variety you prefer.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components ahead and store them in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

→ What vegetables can I add?

You can add peas, corn, or any other vegetables you love to this dish. Just make sure they are chopped small for even cooking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.