If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, warmth, and a touch of home-cooked comfort, this Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines juicy, smoky sausage rounds with the sweet crunch of sautéed bell peppers and onions, all nestled on a bed of fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. Each bite offers a wonderful harmony of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes that make it a true crowd-pleaser and a go-to weeknight favorite. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your cherished staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures that work beautifully together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef smoked sausage (1 lb): Adds a rich, smoky flavor with a satisfying meaty bite that’s the star of the dish.
- Medium onion (1, thinly sliced): Brings natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Contributes bright color and a subtle fruity crunch.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Adds a mellow sweetness plus beautiful golden hues.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a smooth base for sautéing and enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- Long-grain white rice (1 ½ cups): Ensures a fluffy and light bed for the sausage and veggies.
- Chicken broth or water (3 cups): Used to cook the rice, adding savory taste if broth is chosen.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle smoky warmth and a mild earthy color.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon, optional): Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering it.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of green freshness and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by bringing 3 cups of chicken broth or water to a boil in a medium pot. Stir in the rice, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. The broth option really gives the rice a subtle savory depth that complements the sausage and veggies perfectly. Once done, set the rice aside and keep it covered to stay warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage
While the rice cooks, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced beef smoked sausage and let it brown, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want those edges to develop a slight crispiness that adds beautiful texture and flavor. Remove the sausage and set it aside. In that same skillet, add the onion and both the red and yellow bell peppers. Cook everything for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and release their natural sweetness through gentle caramelization.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic to the skillet with the veggies. Sauté for an extra minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn since garlic cooks quickly. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder if using. These simple spices amplify the layers of flavor, tying together the smokiness of the sausage and the sweetness of the peppers and onions beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Sausage and Rice
Return the browned sausage to your skillet with the vegetables and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors mingle and the sausage heats through again. When you’re ready to serve, spoon this colorful, savory mixture right over the fluffy rice for the perfect finishing touch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe hot and fresh. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a wonderful herbal note and a burst of color that looks as good as it tastes. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and certain to bring a smile to anyone’s face at the dinner table.
How to Serve Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic go-to garnish, adding a clean, herbal brightness to balance the smoky, savory notes. For an extra dash of zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish’s flavor profile wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This vibrant dish pairs perfectly with simple green salads or steamed vegetables to add freshness and crunch. A side of cornbread or warm crusty bread makes a fantastic addition, soaking up any savory juices and completing the meal with comforting carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sausage and pepper mixture in warm tortillas for a quick and satisfying wrap. Alternatively, pile the mixture on top of a baked potato for a cozy loaded spud, or spoon it over cauliflower rice as a lower-carb option that still captures all the delicious flavors of the original Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When sealing, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain the flavors.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet on medium-low heat, stirring frequently to warm evenly, or microwave covered until piping hot. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to help it come back to life. This way, your Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe tastes just as good the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture, you can use brown rice or even jasmine rice. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly. Keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and has a nuttier flavor that pairs nicely with the sausage.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
You can swap the beef smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sautéed onions and bell peppers provide plenty of flavor, so this makes a great meat-free variation of the Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe.
How spicy is this recipe?
This version is mild and family-friendly, but you can kick up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne powder when seasoning. Alternatively, serve with hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their spice level.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Prepare the sausage and vegetables a day ahead and store them separately from the rice. Reheat everything right before serving, and combine in the skillet to refresh the flavors. It’s a great make-ahead option for entertaining without the last-minute rush.
What should I do if my sausage isn’t pre-cooked?
Many smoked sausages are pre-cooked, but if yours isn’t, cook it thoroughly in the skillet before adding the vegetables. Ensure the internal temperature reaches safe levels according to the sausage type. Then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe enough if you want an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The blend of smoky, sweet, and savory tastes combined with the simplicity of fresh ingredients makes it a real winner every time. So grab those simple ingredients and give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll love how comforting and delicious it turns out!
Print
Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful Beef Smoked Sausage with Onion and Bell Peppers over Rice is a delicious and hearty one-pan meal perfect for any weeknight. Tender and smoky sausage is sautéed with sweet onions and vibrant bell peppers, seasoned with garlic and paprika, and served over fluffy long-grain white rice cooked in savory chicken broth. The dish is quick to prepare, combining simple ingredients for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb beef smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage: While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the vegetables and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (if using). Stir to combine all the flavors well.
- Combine the Sausage and Rice: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables and seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through, ensuring the sausage and vegetables are well incorporated.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and vegetable mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your hearty and savory meal!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor or water for a neutral taste.
- This dish can be made gluten-free as all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh, vibrant finish but can be omitted if not available.
