Description
This hearty Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pot meal combining savory pork breakfast sausage with aromatic vegetables, Cajun spices, and tender long-grain rice simmered in chicken broth. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it packs a delicious punch with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat
- 11 ounces Pork breakfast sausage, skins removed (such as Cumberland or similar)
Vegetables
- 1 cup brown onion, finely diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, medium small dice
- ¾ cup celery, diced (about 2-3 stalks)
- 4 garlic cloves, about 1 heaping teaspoon minced
- Green onion (scallions) or cilantro, for garnish
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Cajun spice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 thyme sprigs or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 large bay leaves
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long grain rice such as basmati, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook the pork breakfast sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Continue cooking until it is fully browned and no longer pink inside. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: Using the same pan with the rendered sausage fat, add the finely diced onion, green bell pepper, diced celery, salt, and black pepper. Cook the vegetables over medium heat until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Add rice and broth: Add the uncooked long grain rice to the pan, stirring to coat it with the fat and spices. Then pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs or dried thyme to the liquid.
- Simmer: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Finish and serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Fluff the rice with a fork and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro before serving to add a fresh note.
- Share and enjoy: This easy one-pot sausage and rice skillet is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. Save this recipe and share it with friends who love simple yet delicious meals!
Notes
- You can use dried thyme if fresh is unavailable; just reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon.
- For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Ensure the rice is fully cooked before removing from heat; if needed, add a splash more broth or water and cook a few minutes longer.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage alternative for different variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
