If you’re looking for a quick, cozy dinner that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite, this smoked sausage and rice recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table without needing to call twice. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you want a one-pan wonder that hits all the right notes.
Table of contents
What is Smoked Sausage and Rice?
Smoked sausage and rice is a flavorful, hearty meal made with savory sausage, fluffy rice, and sautéed vegetables simmered in bold seasonings.
It’s deeply rooted in comfort food traditions and has many variations across Southern and Creole cuisines. What makes this version so special is its balance of smokiness from the sausage, subtle heat from cayenne, and the aromatic foundation of onions and garlic.
It’s the kind of dish that’s as easy to cook as it is rewarding to eat.
Why Smoked Sausage and Rice is a Great Family Recipe
This dish is incredibly adaptable and crowd-pleasing. It brings a beautiful harmony of flavors while staying budget-friendly and easy to prepare in larger batches.
Whether you’re feeding two or ten, smoked sausage and rice scales effortlessly. Kids love the mild spice and soft textures, while grown-ups appreciate the depth and satisfaction.
It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, and the leftovers reheat like a dream.
Ingredients for the Best Results
To create the most flavorful smoked sausage and rice, I use long-grain white rice simmered in vegetable broth for a rich base.
Vegetable oil helps everything cook evenly without overpowering the other flavors. Onions and garlic create a savory, aromatic base, while bell peppers add color and a mild sweetness. Tomato paste deepens the flavor and gives the dish its beautiful red hue.
The sausage brings that delicious smoky note, and just a pinch of cayenne pepper rounds it all out with a little heat that lingers on the palate without overwhelming it.
How to Make Smoked Sausage and Rice
Smoked sausage and rice all comes together in one large skillet or pan, which means minimal cleanup.
First, cook the rice according to the package directions.
Then cook the onions and garlic in a bit of oil until they’re soft and fragrant. The plant-based smoked sausage goes in next, just long enough to brown the edges and bring out that smoky richness. I stir in the bell peppers and tomato paste, letting everything caramelize slightly to unlock deeper flavors.
Finally, I stir in the cooked rice and a splash of vegetable broth to bring everything together. A dash of cayenne pepper finishes the dish with a subtle, warming kick.
Tips and Tricks for Leftovers
Leftover smoked sausage and rice keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors get even better as they sit.
When reheating, I like to add a splash of broth or water to bring back a bit of moisture and fluff. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
I love packing it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches that never disappoint.
Ideas for Variations and Uses
This smoked sausage and rice recipe is endlessly customizable.
You can stir in some corn, peas, or diced zucchini for extra texture and nutrition. Swap out the rice for quinoa or brown rice if you prefer a heartier grain.
Want to turn it into a wrap or stuffed bell pepper filling? Absolutely. The smoky-sweet flavor pairs well with all kinds of sides, from simple greens to cornbread or crusty rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not overly! The cayenne adds a hint of heat, but you can adjust it to your taste. Feel free to leave it out for a milder version or increase it for more of a kick.
Long-grain white rice works beautifully, but jasmine or basmati are great alternatives. For more fiber and chew, try brown rice—just increase the cooking time accordingly.
Absolutely. This recipe tastes even better the next day and makes for an excellent meal prep staple.
A large, deep skillet or sauté pan works best. You want enough space to stir everything together without spilling.
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Let’s Stay Connected!
I’d love to hear how your smoked sausage and rice turned out. Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram or share your creation on Facebook.
I’m always excited to see your delicious spins! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and drop a star rating.
Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover this cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Smoked Sausage and Rice
If you’re craving a quick, cozy dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying, this smoked sausage and rice recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and instantly brings everyone to the table. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice, cooked in vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz plant based sausage
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to the package directions.
- Then sautee the onions and garlic in a bit of oil until they’re soft and fragrant.
- The plant-based smoked sausage goes in next, just long enough to brown the edges and bring out that smoky richness. All in all, about 5-7 minutes.
- Next, stir in the bell peppers and tomato paste, letting everything caramelize slightly to unlock deeper flavors.
- Finally, I stir in the cooked rice and a splash of vegetable broth to bring everything together. A dash of cayenne pepper finishes the dish with a subtle, warming kick.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1.5 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 296Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 791mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 9g