Hey there! So, let me tell you about this sausage and rice skillet dish that’s kind of become my go-to whenever I need something easy and satisfying. Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and I’m craving something hearty. This recipe popped into my head, and I couldn’t resist! I remember the first time I made it, I was honestly just trying to use up some leftover sausages and a lonely bell pepper (you know how it is). Somehow, it turned into a family favorite. My partner now asks for it by name, which is saying something because he’s usually not one to remember dish names!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
I make this when I want something quick yet comforting. My family goes crazy for this because it’s got a bit of everything—savory sausage, tender rice, and a pop of color from the veggies (plus, it’s all in one pan, which means fewer dishes!). I used to get frustrated with skillet meals because they’d stick to the pan, but a little patience (and a non-stick skillet) goes a long way. Besides, it’s one of those recipes you can tweak based on what’s in the fridge. Who doesn’t love that?
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter if you’re feeling indulgent)
- 4 sausages, sliced (I sometimes use chorizo for a spicy kick)
- 1 onion, chopped (honestly, any kind works!)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, green—whatever’s around)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or a teaspoon of garlic powder if you forgot to buy fresh)
- 1 cup rice (I prefer jasmine, but basmati works too)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth if that’s what you’ve got)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or just chuck in some oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in those sausage slices and cook till they’re browned and smelling irresistible. Add the onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally—this is where I usually sneak a taste, just to make sure it’s going in the right direction.
Next, throw in the garlic, and let it get fragrant (but not burnt, trust me on this one). Stir in the rice, mixing everything so the rice is nicely coated with those savory flavors. Pour in the broth and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, cover it up and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage—it always does! Just let it do its thing.
Some Notes I Jotted Down
From my many attempts, I’ve found that letting it sit for a few minutes after cooking really helps the flavors meld together. Oh, and stirring too much while it’s cooking can make the rice go mushy—learned that the hard way!
Variations I’ve Tried
Once, I swapped the sausages for leftover chicken and it was a hit. Another time, I tried adding mushrooms, which was…okay. But hey, not every experiment is a winner!
If You Lack the Right Tools…
Don’t sweat if you don’t have a non-stick skillet. A regular pan works, just keep an eye on it and maybe use a bit more oil. Also, a lid that fits is ideal, but I’ve used a baking sheet in a pinch.
How to Store Leftovers
In the rare event there’s any left, just pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep for a couple of days, though honestly, in my house it never lasts more than a day!
What to Serve With It
This dish is pretty filling on its own, but I love adding a fresh green salad on the side (because, you know, balance!). My family usually insists on some crusty bread to mop up any juices, which is never a bad idea.
Pro Tips from My Mishaps
Once, I thought I could rush the simmering step by cranking up the heat—bad move, the rice stuck to the pan like glue. Patience is definitely key here.
Your Questions, Answered!
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Just skip the sausage or use a veggie version. It’s quite flexible.
- What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? No worries—just use a mix of whatever herbs you have. Parsley and thyme are nice too.
- Is it freezer-friendly? I’ve frozen it in portions, and it reheats decently. But, fresh is definitely best.
- Can I use brown rice? Sure, but you’ll need to cook it longer and add a bit more broth. It’s worth a try!
For more cooking inspiration, I often browse Serious Eats and Simply Recipes—they’ve got loads of great ideas!