Description
This Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice recipe offers a comforting one-pot meal bursting with savory smoked sausage, tender bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice infused with tomato sauce and Creole seasoning. It’s a flavorful and hearty dish ready in just 40 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 13 ounces (369 g) smoked sausage (beef or pork), sliced into rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium bell peppers, sliced into strips (any color)
Rice and Liquids
- 2 cups (370 g) uncooked white rice
- 8 ounces (227 ml) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper as a substitute)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy bottom pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides to develop a rich, savory flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers to the pan with the sausage. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked white rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, lightly toasting the grains to improve texture and flavor absorption.
- Add Sauce, Broth, and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Add creole seasoning (or cayenne pepper) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Until Done: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Occasionally check and add more broth or water if necessary.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or extra peppers.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage of your choice—beef, pork, or a mix—for flavor variations.
- Bell peppers can be any color; mixed colors add more vibrant presentation and taste.
- To make this dish spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on stovetop or microwave.
