If you’re craving something bold, colorful, and incredibly satisfying, let me introduce you to my favorite weeknight crowd-pleaser: Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe. This vibrant skillet meal brings together smoky sausage, sweet bell peppers, tender onions, and fluffy rice in a way that feels like pure comfort with every bite. Best of all, it comes together in just one pan, making cleanup an absolute breeze. Whether you’re feeding the family or just looking for a meal that warms you from the inside out, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat!

Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is how it celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients. Each item adds its own flair—think rich sausage, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices—to create a dish that’s full of texture and deep, smoky flavor.

Olive oil: Adds a beautiful base for browning and infuses a subtle, fruity richness.
Smoked sausage (such as kielbasa): The star ingredient—smoky, savory, and absolutely mouthwatering when seared.
Red bell pepper: Brings gorgeous color and a touch of sweetness that balances the smokiness.
Green bell pepper: Adds a grassy brightness and lovely crunch to the mix.
Yellow onion: Softens and caramelizes, adding sweetness and depth to every bite.
Garlic cloves: Just two will do, but they truly elevate the aroma and overall flavor.
Smoked paprika: Infuses the recipe with a gentle, smoky heat and a stunning pop of color.
Dried oregano: Offers earthiness that rounds out the dish beautifully.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Black pepper: A little bit goes a long way for that subtle, peppery kick.
Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all those savory juices and stays light and fluffy.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps the rice cook up perfectly tender.
Chopped parsley (optional): The perfect finishing touch for freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer. Give the sausage about 5 to 6 minutes, turning the rounds as they brown. This step gives them their irresistible crispy edges and unlocks those delicious smoky flavors. Once browned, set the sausage aside on a plate—for now, the veggies are about to steal the show!

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onion

In the same pan (hello, flavor!), toss in the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion. Sauté these colorful beauties for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens up and the edges start to caramelize just a bit. This is where your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing!

Step 3: Build the Flavors

Add your minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper right to the softened veggies. Stir and let everything cook together for about a minute. The garlic will become fragrant, and the spices will bloom in the heat, layering even more flavor into this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Pour in the rice and give everything a gentle stir, making sure that those grains are well coated with your beautiful veggie and spice mixture. Now, add the chicken broth and bring the whole skillet to a lively boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes. By the end, the rice will have soaked in all that savory broth, turning perfectly tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your rice has absorbed all the liquid, return the browned sausage to the pan. Fold everything together and let it heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors meld. For the grand finale, sprinkle over the chopped parsley for a pop of green freshness. Now, dig in while it’s hot!

How to Serve Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a touch of brightness to your bowl. For an extra punch, a squeeze of lemon or a handful of thinly sliced green onions also works wonders. If you love a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes is always welcome.

Side Dishes

This Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is honestly a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, some garlic bread, or even roasted broccoli. For a special touch, serve it alongside a tangy cucumber salad to contrast the rich, smoky sausage.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting this dish in individual bowls makes it feel extra cozy. For a fun twist, serve the sausage and rice mixture inside roasted bell pepper halves or scoop it into warmed tortillas for handheld wraps. It even makes a playful bed for a fried egg on top, which is a hit at weekend brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover portions of Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe store really well in the fridge. Pack cooled leftovers in airtight containers, and they’ll keep fresh for up to 4 days. Just remember to cool everything to room temperature before sealing to prevent excess moisture buildup.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions in individual containers or sturdy freezer bags. This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. If possible, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the rice’s texture and those smoky, savory flavors.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop your desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl or a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up if needed, then heat until steaming hot. Stir occasionally to ensure it reheats evenly, and garnish with a touch of fresh parsley to wake it back up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes, you can definitely swap in brown rice or even jasmine rice! Just be sure to adjust the cook time and the amount of broth—brown rice takes longer to cook and generally needs more liquid to become tender.

Is there a good substitute for smoked sausage?

Absolutely. Turkey or chicken sausage works great if you want a lighter version. If you’d like a plant-based meal, cooked vegan sausage or even seasoned chickpeas make a tasty substitute in this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For more heat, feel free to use hot sausage instead of regular, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing, or serve with your choice of spicy hot sauce. This recipe is super adaptable to your spice preference!

Can I prepare Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the whole dish in advance and simply reheat when you’re ready to eat. The flavors often deepen and meld even more after a day in the fridge, making it a perfect option for meal prepping.

What are some fun add-ins I can try?

Mix things up with additional veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes. You can also stir in a handful of shredded cheese at the end for a melty touch, or toss in some baby spinach for extra greens.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, vibrant, and truly fuss-free, I can’t recommend the Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe enough. Give it a try, put your own twist on it, and watch how quickly it becomes a new favorite around your table!

Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A satisfying one-pan meal, this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice dish is bursting with flavor. Smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic seasonings come together with rice in a delicious stovetop creation.

Ingredients

Scale

Smoked Sausage:

1 tablespoon olive oil
14 oz smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into rounds

Peppers and Onions:

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced

Seasonings and Rice:

2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown the sliced sausage for 5–6 minutes. Set aside.
Sauté Peppers and Onions: In the same pan, cook peppers and onion for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is cooked.
Combine and Garnish: Return sausage to the pan, heat through for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.