Easy One Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice: 30-Minute Delight

Name: Easy One Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

September 16, 2025

Updated:

September 16, 2025

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that brings the family together—especially when it can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. The aroma of smoky sausage mingling with fluffy rice fills your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table. This Easy One Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice is not merely a meal; it’s an experience, transporting you straight to a cozy dinner filled with laughter and delectable flavors.

Imagine sinking your fork into tender grains of rice, each bite infused with the savory goodness of smoked sausage and vibrant vegetables. It’s a dish that promises more than just convenience; it delivers on flavor and satisfaction, making it perfect for those chaotic weeknights when cooking seems like an Olympic sport.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy one pot smoked sausage and rice dish requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy evenings

Its robust flavor profile will satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family
The colorful ingredients create an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress at the dinner table

Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate any leftover veggies you have hanging out in your fridge

I vividly recall the first time I made this dish—a whirlwind Wednesday evening where my kids were convinced they could survive on cereal alone. When I pulled this beauty from the stovetop, their eyes lit up like Christmas morning.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Smoked Sausage: Choose your favorite type—kielbasa or andouille works wonderfully for that smoky flavor.
Long-Grain White Rice: Regular long-grain rice absorbs flavors beautifully while remaining fluffy.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green not only adds color but also sweetness to balance the smokiness.

Onion: Use a medium yellow onion for sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor; don’t be shy—add extra if you love garlic as much as I do!
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to keep control over saltiness while adding depth of flavor.

Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté those veggies until they’re fragrant and tender.
Spices (Paprika, Thyme, Pepper): A sprinkle of these spices elevates the dish, enhancing its aromatic profile.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Sausage and Veggies: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, releasing its rich aroma.

Add Aromatics: Toss in chopped onions and bell peppers next. Sauté until they soften and turn slightly translucent, about five minutes—your kitchen will smell divine.

Stir in Garlic and Spices: Add minced garlic along with paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Stir everything together until fragrant; this should take about 30 seconds.

Add Rice and Broth: Pour in long-grain white rice followed by chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly while bringing everything to a gentle boil.

Simmer Away!: Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is cooked through and has absorbed all liquid.

Let It Rest Before Serving!: After cooking, remove from heat but keep covered for an additional five minutes to ensure steam does its magic! Fluff with a fork before serving—this step makes all the difference!

This Easy One Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice is more than just quick dinner fare; it’s a meal bursting with flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating Taco Tuesday or simply surviving another busy weeknight meal prep, remember: home-cooked happiness is only 30 minutes away!

You Must Know

This Easy One Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice recipe is not just a meal; it’s a family affair
The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone wonder what delicious magic is happening

Plus, it’s customizable, so you can use whatever veggies you have lying around

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the smoked sausage until golden brown, then add the rice and broth for even cooking. This method ensures every grain of rice absorbs all those delicious flavors.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the smoked sausage for chicken or even veggies! You can also add spices like paprika or cumin for an extra kick that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist and flavorful.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To make this dish sing, always use high-quality smoked sausage with a good spice blend

If using frozen vegetables, add them halfway through cooking for optimal texture
Remember, fresh herbs sprinkled on top right before serving elevate the presentation dramatically

My friend once told me this recipe saved her on a hectic weeknight when no one felt like cooking. She whipped it up quickly, and her kids devoured it—talk about winning dinner!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage works beautifully in this Easy One Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice dish.

How long does this meal take to prepare?

From start to finish, you can enjoy this meal in about 30 minutes.

What veggies pair well with smoked sausage?

Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are fantastic additions that complement the sausage perfectly!

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