Make this hearty, comforting meal with smoked sausage and rice in just one pan. It is fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need easy family dinners with rice.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked sausage.
If using, stir in the milk for extra creaminess. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving your simple sausage and rice dish.
Notes
For a spicier kick, use hot smoked sausage or increase the amount of Cajun seasoning.
You can substitute the smoked sausage with kielbasa or andouille sausage for different flavor profiles.
If you prefer a thicker, casserole-like texture, stir in 1/2 cup of cream cheese along with the shredded cheese.