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Smoked Sausage and Rice

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This dish combines smoked Andouille sausage with tender grains of rice simmered in a rich broth. Bell peppers, onions, and garlic add layers of sweetness and aroma, while Cajun spices provide a gentle heat and depth. The sausage is browned first to develop smoky notes before all ingredients meld together in one pot. Resting the dish after cooking ensures perfectly fluffy rice grains. Garnished with fresh green onions or parsley, it’s a comforting meal that brings bold Louisiana flavors to your table with minimal cleanup.

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Updated on Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:37:02 GMT
A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables. | easydiyrecipes.com

This smoked sausage and rice dish combines smoky Andouille sausage with tender rice and colorful bell peppers for a warming Louisiana-inspired meal. Everything cooks in one pot from start to finish, making it an easy yet impressive dinner on busy nights. The spices and tomato paste add layers of flavor that come together beautifully after a brief resting period.

I first made this on a hectic school night when I needed something quick and satisfying. It immediately became a family favorite with my kids asking for seconds the same evening.

Ingredients

  • Andouille sausage: sliced for fresh snap and smoky flavor I look for sausages with a firm texture
  • Olive oil: for searing the meat and sautéing veggies Use extra virgin for the best taste
  • Yellow onion: diced finely for a mild sweet base Pick firm heavy onions for better flavor
  • Green and yellow bell peppers: diced and deseeded for bursts of color and crunch Choose ones with shiny skin
  • Fresh garlic cloves: minced Always select plump bulbs for a robust aroma
  • Long-grain white rice: uncooked Quality grains ensure fluffy rice after cooking
  • Chicken broth: provides depth and moisture Low-sodium is best to control salt
  • Tomato paste: delivers rich umami Use double concentrate for a deeper flavor
  • Cajun seasoning: adds a zesty Louisiana kick Taste before adding to adjust heat
  • Smoked paprika: enhances smokiness Go for Spanish style for full depth
  • Coarse sea salt: rounds out flavors Pick a clean natural brand
  • Black pepper: adds subtle bite Grind fresh if possible
  • Fresh green onions or parsley: for garnish Optional but brightens the finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:
Cook sliced Andouille sausage over medium-high heat in olive oil until golden and crisp on the edges. This creates a deep smoky base that flavors the entire dish. Remove the sausage and set it aside for later.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet add the remaining olive oil then toss in diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about five minutes on medium heat until softened and beginning to caramelize. Stir in minced garlic for the last thirty seconds so it becomes fragrant without burning.
Toast Rice and Add Flavor:
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and let it toast gently with the veggies for about one minute. Pour in chicken broth, tomato paste and all seasonings along with the browned sausage. Use the spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the pan as this adds extra depth. Mix everything thoroughly so the tomato paste dissolves evenly.
Simmer to Cook Rice:
Bring the mixture to a full boil then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and let it simmer undisturbed for twenty minutes so the rice can absorb all the rich flavors.
Rest and Finish:
Turn off the heat and let the covered pot rest for five to ten minutes. This resting time helps the rice fluff up perfectly and allows the flavors to settle together.
Serve and Garnish:
Gently fluff the rice with a fork stirring to distribute the sausage evenly throughout. Plate the dish and top with fresh green onions or chopped parsley for a bright fresh contrast.
A plate of rice with sausage and peppers. Pin
A plate of rice with sausage and peppers. | easydiyrecipes.com

The smoky aroma from the Andouille combined with spices always reminds me of lively family dinners where everyone would sneak extra bites right out of the skillet. Those cozy moments around the table are my favorite memories tied to this dish.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even better after sitting overnight. For longer storage divide into meal-sized portions and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to refresh the rice texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Andouille sausage with kielbasa, smoked chorizo, or any flavorful cooked sausage you have on hand. Bell peppers are flexible so red or orange varieties work well for added sweetness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken if you want a meatless version. If you do not have Cajun seasoning you can make your own with paprika, oregano, thyme and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Keep sides simple with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any juices. On special occasions I like to melt sharp cheddar cheese on top right before serving. For a true Louisiana touch, put out hot sauce and let everyone adjust the spice level themselves.

Cultural Context

A bowl of rice with sausage and peppers. Pin
A bowl of rice with sausage and peppers. | easydiyrecipes.com

This smoked sausage and rice recipe recalls the Cajun kitchens of Louisiana where bold flavors meet humble ingredients in simple one-pot meals. It is closely related to jambalaya, both dishes born from a tradition of feeding families after long days with communal cooking and hearty results.

Pro Tips

Always brown the sausage really well to develop deeper flavor throughout the dish. Let the rice rest after cooking to avoid mushy texture and keep grains separate. Scrape up all the golden bits stuck to the pan after sautéing as these caramelized bits add richness and color.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausage works best?

Andouille sausage is ideal for its smoky flavor and firm texture. Kielbasa or chorizo can be used as alternatives, offering slight variations in taste but still browning well.

→ Can brown rice be substituted for white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used but requires a longer simmering time (40–45 minutes) and more liquid to cook through properly.

→ How can additional vegetables or beans be added?

Drained kidney beans or frozen peas can be stirred in after the rice finishes cooking, then covered for a few minutes to warm through.

→ Why is it important to let the rice rest after cooking?

Resting allows the steam to evenly finish cooking the rice, preventing mushy texture and helping each grain stay separate and fluffy.

→ Which garnishes complement this dish?

Freshly chopped green onions or parsley add a bright touch and balance rich, smoky flavors with fresh herbal notes.

Smoked Sausage Rice Meal

Satisfying one-pot meal with smoked sausage, fluffy rice, colorful peppers, and a warm Cajun spice blend.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Louisiana Cajun

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Meat

01 200 g Andouille sausage, sliced

→ Vegetables

02 100 g yellow onion, finely diced
03 100 g green bell pepper, diced and deseeded
04 100 g yellow bell pepper, diced and deseeded
05 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 15 g fresh green onions or parsley, chopped for garnish

→ Pantry

07 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
08 180 g long-grain white rice, uncooked
09 480 ml low-sodium chicken broth
10 20 g tomato paste, double concentrated
11 5 g Cajun seasoning
12 3 g smoked paprika
13 3 g coarse sea salt
14 2 g freshly ground black pepper

Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook until crisp and golden on the edges. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 02

Using the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté on medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Stir in minced garlic during the last 30 seconds.

Step 03

Add uncooked rice to the vegetables and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken broth, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and browned sausage. Scrape bottom of pan to incorporate browned bits. Stir thoroughly until tomato paste dissolves.

Step 04

Bring mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer undisturbed for 20 minutes allowing rice to absorb flavors.

Step 05

Turn off heat and let the covered pot rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork, ensuring sausage is evenly distributed.

Step 06

Plate the rice and sausage mixture and top with freshly chopped green onions or parsley to add brightness and color.

Notes

  1. Allowing the rice to rest after cooking prevents mushiness and helps achieve fluffy, distinct grains.
  2. Scraping browned bits off the pan adds depth and enhances overall flavor.

Tools Required

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Fork for fluffing rice

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains sausage, which may include allergens such as pork or preservatives

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 20 g