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One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner

One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner

This One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner is a quick, flavorful, and hearty meal combining smoky sausage, fluffy long-grain rice, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices. It cooks entirely in one pot for easy cleanup and is perfect for busy weeknights, offering versatility for customization and family-friendly comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Protein

  • 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain rice

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes or 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Brown the Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges, stirring occasionally to develop a rich smoky flavor.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot with the sausage. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, building a flavorful base.
  3. Add Rice and Spices: Sprinkle in the rice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, coating the rice with the spices and fat from the sausage for an infused flavor.
  4. Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Add the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and ensure the rice is fully submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
  5. Simmer Until Rice is Cooked: Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
  6. Fluff and Garnish: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Choose a smoked sausage with good fat content to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Don’t skip browning the sausage and vegetables to develop caramelized, rich flavors.
  • Use high-quality chicken broth or vegetable broth for best flavor impact.
  • Avoid stirring or lifting the lid during the simmer to prevent mushy rice and ensure even cooking.
  • Check rice a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, smoked sausage, rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, gluten free