Description
A quick and satisfying one-pan meal combining savory Italian sausage, fluffy long-grain rice, and colorful vegetables cooked together for a flavorful and nutritious dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Liquids & Fats
- 2 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. This step builds the rich base flavor of the dish.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, to add freshness and sweetness that balance the sausage.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the long-grain rice to coat each grain with the flavorful oil and sausage juices. Then add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure perfectly steamed rice.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing the layers of flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old rice if using pre-cooked rice to reduce cooking time and prevent mushiness.
- Brown sausage in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding for better caramelization.
- Cover the skillet while simmering to trap steam, ensuring even and moist rice.
- Choose good-quality sausage for the best flavor.
- Let the skillet rest off heat for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg