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One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice (Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner)

One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice (Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner)

One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice is the kind of comforting, no-stress meal every home cook needs in their rotation. It’s hearty without being heavy, deeply flavorful without requiring complicated steps, and best of all—it comes together in one pan. That means fewer dishes, less cleanup, and more time to actually enjoy dinner.

This dish combines smoky sausage, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, onions, and simple pantry spices into a satisfying meal that feels like classic comfort food while still being practical for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and filling, One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice delivers every single time.

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In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice, plus tips, variations, storage ideas, substitutions, and answers to common questions—so your dish turns out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

There are countless reasons this recipe has become a staple in so many kitchens, but here are the biggest ones:

  • One pot = minimal cleanup

  • Budget-friendly ingredients

  • Ready in under 40 minutes

  • Family-friendly flavors

  • Customizable with what you have on hand

  • Perfect for leftovers and meal prep

Unlike complicated rice dishes that require precise timing or multiple pans, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. As long as the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, you’re golden.

What Is One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice?

At its core, One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice is a simple skillet meal made by browning smoked sausage, sautéing vegetables, then simmering everything together with rice and broth until tender and flavorful.

The smoked sausage infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor as it cooks, while the tomato paste adds depth and subtle acidity. Bell peppers and onions bring sweetness and texture, and a simple spice blend ties everything together.

It’s not quite Cajun jambalaya, not quite Spanish rice—but it borrows the best elements from both styles to create something approachable, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients for One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice

This recipe uses everyday ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store.

Main Ingredients

  • 14 ounces smoked sausage (kielbasa recommended) – sliced into rounds

  • ½ cup diced onion – about ½ medium onion

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)

  • 1 teaspoon oregano

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley

  • Chopped green onions

Best Smoked Sausage to Use

One of the reasons One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice is so versatile is that you can use many types of sausage. Here are some excellent options:

  • Kielbasa – Classic, smoky, and mild (recommended)

  • Andouille sausage – Adds heat and Cajun flair

  • Turkey smoked sausage – Lighter option

  • Beef smoked sausage – Rich and hearty

  • Chicken sausage – Leaner but still flavorful

The key is choosing a fully cooked smoked sausage, since it’s browned for flavor rather than cooked through from raw.

Why Long-Grain White Rice Works Best

For this recipe, long-grain white rice is ideal because:

  • It cooks evenly

  • It absorbs flavor without becoming mushy

  • It holds its shape in one-pot meals

Avoid short-grain rice, instant rice, or parboiled rice unless you’re adjusting the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice can work, but it requires more broth and a longer simmer.

Step-By-Step Instructions for One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have perfect results every time.

1. Prep the Ingredients

Slice the smoked sausage into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Dice the onion and bell pepper into pieces between ¼ and ½ inch for even cooking.

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Paprika

  • Oregano

  • Garlic powder

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

Set the spice mixture aside.

2. Brown the Smoked Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or 12-inch skillet with a lid over medium-high heat.

Add the sausage slices and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned on both sides. Browning adds depth and prevents the sausage from tasting flat.

3. Sauté the Onion

Add the diced onion directly to the pan with the sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and begins to caramelize slightly.

This step builds the flavor base for the entire dish.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

Reduce the heat slightly and add:

  • Chicken broth

  • Rice

  • Tomato paste

  • Diced bell pepper

  • Prepared spice mixture

Stir thoroughly to distribute the tomato paste and spices evenly.

5. Simmer Until the Rice Is Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling:

  • Cover the pan with a lid

  • Reduce heat to medium-low

  • Simmer for 20–23 minutes

Avoid lifting the lid too often—this lets steam escape and can affect rice texture.

6. Rest and Serve

Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from heat. A small amount of liquid remaining is fine; it will thicken as it rests.

Let the dish sit for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice

  • Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels

  • Don’t skip browning the sausage—this is where flavor develops

  • Keep the lid on while simmering to ensure even rice cooking

  • Let it rest before serving for the best texture

  • Stir gently to avoid breaking the rice grains

Easy Variations to Try

One of the best things about One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice is how customizable it is.

Spicy Version

  • Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • Use andouille sausage

  • Stir in hot sauce before serving

Veggie-Loaded Version

  • Add zucchini, mushrooms, or peas

  • Stir in spinach at the end until wilted

Cajun-Inspired

  • Replace oregano with Cajun seasoning

  • Add celery and green bell pepper

  • Garnish with scallions

Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Rice

  • Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end

  • Cover briefly until melted

What to Serve With One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:

  • Simple green salad

  • Steamed broccoli or green beans

  • Garlic bread or crusty rolls

  • Coleslaw

  • Roasted vegetables

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container

  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days

Reheating

  • Microwave with a splash of broth or water

  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat

Freezing

  • Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months

  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using instant rice (it will overcook)

  • Cooking on high heat the entire time

  • Forgetting to stir in the tomato paste fully

  • Adding too much liquid

  • Skipping the resting step

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats very well and is perfect for meal prep.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but you’ll need extra broth and about 15–20 additional minutes of cooking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your smoked sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this in a Dutch oven?

Absolutely—just follow the same instructions.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The magic of One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice lies in its balance:

  • Smoky sausage infuses the rice

  • Tomato paste adds depth

  • Broth ensures tender grains

  • Simple spices keep it family-friendly

It’s reliable, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable—everything a great weeknight recipe should be.

Print

One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice (Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner)

One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice (Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner)
Print Recipe

One Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice is a quick, comforting dinner made with smoky sausage, tender rice, and flavorful peppers and spices—all cooked in one pan. It’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together fast, uses simple ingredients, and is loved by the whole family.

  • Author: salah saloh

Ingredients

Scale

  • 14 oz smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into rounds

  • ½ cup diced onion (about ½ medium onion)

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds extra flavor)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 3 tbsp tomato paste

Instructions

  • Prep the ingredients:
    Slice the smoked sausage into ¼-inch rounds. Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

  • Brown the sausage:
    Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan or 12-inch skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Add the onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened.

  • Add rice and liquids:
    Stir in the chicken broth, rice, tomato paste, bell pepper, and the prepared spice mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and bring to a boil.

  • Simmer:
    Cover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20–23 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  • Serve:
    Remove from heat, fluff gently, and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use smoked paprika for deeper, richer flavor.

  • Don’t lift the lid too often while the rice cooks—this helps the rice steam properly.

  • Low-sodium broth keeps the dish from becoming too salty.

  • Add veggies: Green bell peppers, corn, or peas work well.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

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Final Thoughts

One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice is proof that simple ingredients can create truly satisfying meals. With bold smoky flavor, tender rice, and minimal cleanup, this dish checks all the boxes for busy home cooks who still want something homemade and delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, planning easy weeknight dinners, or looking for a comforting one-pan meal that never disappoints, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.