If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Combining tender, fluffy rice with the smoky, savory punch of sausage and a medley of vibrant veggies and spices, it delivers a perfect balance of comfort and zest. This recipe is not just about ease but also about how every ingredient comes together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color that’s sure to wow family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry and produce staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the full-bodied flavor and satisfying texture that make this dish unforgettable. Together, they brighten the plate and enrich every bite.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: Choose a good quality rice to ensure fluffy, separate grains after cooking.
- 2 1/4 cups chicken stock (divided): Using stock instead of water adds a deeper savory background to the rice.
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted): Adds richness and helps brown the sausage and vegetables beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin): For a mild fruity finish and perfect sautéing of the ingredients.
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (about 4 medium links): The star ingredient with a smoky flavor that infuses the entire dish.
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and a foundational aromatic component.
- 1 small red bell pepper (seeded and chopped): Brings a pop of color and a subtle, crisp sweetness.
- 1 large stalk celery (chopped into half moons): Adds gentle crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant, savory kick that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor even further for depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile along with the fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Reinforces smoky undertones and adds warm color.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal touch that complements the sausage.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds complexity with its slightly bitter, fragrant notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to awaken your taste buds without overpowering.
- Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing your long-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear—this simple step washes away excess starch for fluffier rice. Combine the rice with 2 cups of chicken stock in a saucepan and cook over medium heat according to the package instructions. When the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, fluff it gently with a fork and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat a medium, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter alongside the olive oil for a deliciously rich base. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they get a nice golden brown crust and are heated through—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes. The browning locks in flavor and adds a wonderful caramelized texture to your sausage.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and celery. Sauté the trio until the vegetables soften slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick cooking brings out their natural sweetness and deepens their flavors. Stir in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, which is about a minute—making sure it doesn’t burn and become bitter.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper. Stir everything with a wooden spoon to ensure the spices coat the sausage and vegetables evenly. This blend of spices is what transforms the dish into a symphony of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
Step 5: Deglaze and Combine
To capture every bit of flavor stuck to the pan, pour a small splash of the remaining chicken stock into the skillet and scrape the bottom with your wooden spoon. This technique lifts all those caramelized bits and infuses your dish with extra depth. Add the cooked rice back to the skillet and fold everything together, stirring well to marry the flavors. Continue cooking and stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes, adding a bit more stock if the rice looks too dry, to keep the dish creamy and moist.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is perfectly combined and heated through, remove your skillet from the heat. Transfer the vibrant sausage and rice mixture to a serving dish. If you like, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and get ready for some serious compliments at the table!
How to Serve Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions work beautifully to brighten the dish and provide a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the smoky sausage. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can also add an exciting kick just before serving, making each bite lively and new.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. For a Southern-inspired spread, consider serving it alongside cornbread or collard greens to round out the meal with comforting, complementary flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of sautéed greens for a colorful presentation. You can also stuff it into baked potatoes or use it as a filling for stuffed cabbage rolls. The possibilities for creative presentation are as rich as the flavors in this dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, with the flavors continuing to develop and meld, making for an equally delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe on hand longer, it freezes beautifully. Pack portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheat gently either in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up, or in the microwave covered to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent drying out. The dish reheats wonderfully without losing its delicious character.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage provides that signature flavor, you can swap in Italian sausage, Andouille, or even a spicy chorizo for a different twist. Just adjust seasoning accordingly to balance the flavors.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing the rice removes excess starch that can cause clumping, resulting in fluffier, separate grains. It’s a simple step that improves texture significantly and is highly recommended.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can definitely try a vegetarian version by substituting smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms. Just adjust the seasoning and broth to keep that rich flavor profile intact.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish has a gentle warmth from the cayenne pepper, which you can adjust or omit based on your spice tolerance. The smoked paprika adds smoky depth without heat, so it’s easy to customize.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain rice is preferred for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t stick together, perfect for mixing with sausage and veggies. Basmati or jasmine rice can also work wonderfully for a fragrant touch.
Final Thoughts
This Rice with Smoked Sausage Recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, create a dish that’s comforting, exciting, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy the wonderful flavors and warmth this recipe brings to your table!
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
This flavorful Rice with Smoked Sausage recipe combines tender long-grain rice cooked in chicken stock with browned smoked sausage and sautéed vegetables. Seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices including smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper, this dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a hearty and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken stock (divided)
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sausage & Vegetables
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (about 4 medium links)
- 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 & 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. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of chicken stock. Cook over medium heat following package instructions until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a medium heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter along with the olive oil. Add the smoked sausage slices to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately one minute.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked black pepper over the sausage and vegetables. Stir well with a wooden spoon to evenly distribute the spices.
- Deglaze and Combine: Pour a small amount of chicken stock into the skillet to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom with the wooden spoon. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine. Continue cooking and stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes so flavors meld together, adding more chicken stock if the mixture seems dry.
- Serve: Remove skillet from heat. Transfer the rice and sausage mixture to a serving dish. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty smoked sausage rice dish!
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with andouille or kielbasa for different flavors.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to better manage salt content.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
