If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with flavor, this Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant dish that brings together tender rice, perfectly browned smoked sausage, and a colorful medley of vegetables all infused with a lovely blend of spices. Every bite offers a gratifying combination of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes that make it an all-time favorite in any kitchen. Plus, it cooks up quickly, making it a weeknight winner that feels truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors in this dish. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s adding smokiness, crunch, or richness, making this recipe both approachable and delicious.
- Long-grain rice (1 cup): The base of the dish, providing a fluffy, light texture that soaks up all the tasty flavors.
- Chicken stock (2 1/4 cups): Adds moisture and depth, enriching the rice as it cooks and helping to meld the ingredients together.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle creaminess and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used alongside butter to balance richness with a smooth finish.
- Smoked sausage (12 ounces): The star of the show, lending smoky, savory flavors that elevate the dish.
- Yellow onion (1 small, chopped): Adds sweetness and a foundational aromatic component.
- Red bell pepper (1 small, chopped): Brings color and a mild, fruity sweetness that brightens every bite.
- Celery (1 large stalk, chopped): Adds crunch and a subtle herbal note for balance.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses robust flavor and warmth into the dish.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the onion flavor with a concentrated punch.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the garlic presence for a deeper aroma.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the smokiness while adding a vibrant color.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces an earthy, slightly minty note.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a fragrant, savory undertone.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers just the right amount of heat for a gentle kick.
- Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing the long-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear – this step helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Combine the rice with 2 cups of chicken stock in a saucepan and cook over medium heat following the package instructions. Once tender and all the liquid is absorbed, fluff the rice gently with a fork and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter with olive oil. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook them until nicely browned and heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes. This browning process builds a rich, caramelized flavor that’s key to the dish’s smoky profile.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and celery directly to the skillet. Let them sauté until just beginning to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes, which helps release their natural sweetness while maintaining a bit of crunch. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—this keeps the garlic bright and fresh.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Now it’s time to sprinkle in all the spices: onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir vigorously to coat everything evenly, which ensures every bite bursts with complex layers of flavor.
Step 5: Deglaze and Combine
Pour a splash of chicken stock into the skillet to lift all the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom – this will add a deep, savory element to the dish. Add the cooked rice back into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to mix all ingredients. Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. If the rice looks dry, add a little more chicken stock for moisture.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer your flavorful rice with smoked sausage to a serving dish. It’s ready to enjoy immediately, but feel free to garnish before serving to add fresh notes and extra appeal.
How to Serve Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the smoky, spiced sausage beautifully. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a splash of hot sauce can also add extra personality to your dish.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a comforting meal, serve alongside cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this rice in hollowed bell peppers or scoop it into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held treat. It also works as a flavorful stuffing for mushrooms or baked tomatoes, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prep with a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rice with smoked sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the dish fresh while allowing the flavors to deepen even further.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes quite well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to revive moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel covering to keep the rice from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a distinctive flavor, you can use kielbasa, chorizo, or even spicy Italian sausage to mix things up and tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
Is this recipe spicy?
The cayenne pepper adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance. Omitting it entirely will result in a flavorful yet mild dish perfect for all palates.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant for a satisfying meatless version.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and separate. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice varieties to maintain the perfect texture.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to toss in chopped zucchini, peas, or carrots alongside the other veggies. Adding them during the sauté step ensures they cook just enough to blend with the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe. It’s a flavorful, colorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and makes weeknight dinners something to look forward to. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your regular recipe rotation — it’s pure deliciousness in every bite!
Print
Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
A hearty and flavorful Rice with Smoked Sausage dish combining tender rice cooked in savory chicken stock, browned smoked sausage, and a medley of sautéed vegetables seasoned with smoked paprika and herbs for a comforting, satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken stock (divided)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (about 4 medium links)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 small red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
- 1 large stalk celery (chopped into half moons)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of chicken stock. Cook over medium heat following the package instructions until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a medium heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil, allowing the butter to melt. Add the smoked sausage sliced into rounds and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and celery to the skillet with the sausage. Cook the vegetables until they start to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked black pepper evenly over the sausage and vegetables. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon to evenly coat the mixture with the spices.
- Deglaze and Combine: Pour a small amount of chicken stock into the skillet to deglaze the pan, using the wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Continue to cook and stir for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together. Add additional chicken stock if the rice seems dry.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the rice and sausage mixture to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy a delicious, savory smoked sausage rice dish.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- Use smoked sausage for authentic smoky flavor; kielbasa or andouille are good alternatives.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Adding chicken stock when deglazing enhances depth of flavor by incorporating browned bits.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on stovetop or microwave.
