Sausage and Rice Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy One-Pot Meal
This simple sausage and rice recipe is a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal, perfect for a busy weeknight. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is easily customizable to your taste. This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn for added vegetables
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Get Started:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Building the Flavor:
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combining the Ingredients:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmering to Perfection:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
The Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the cooked sausage and any optional vegetables (peas or corn) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot and enjoy! This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. You can also top it with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
- Make it meatier: Add cooked ground beef or chicken along with the sausage.
- Use different rice: Long-grain brown rice will require a longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly.
- Make it a slow cooker meal: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Why This Sausage and Rice Recipe is a Winner:
- Easy to make: Minimal prep work and simple instructions make this a perfect weeknight meal.
- One-pot wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal.
- Budget-friendly: Utilizes affordable ingredients.
- Highly customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences and available ingredients.
- Delicious and satisfying: A hearty and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
This sausage and rice recipe is a versatile and satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite. So, give it a try and let us know what you think! Enjoy!
