Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sausage and rice is the perfect dish for busy days when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The creamy, cheesy rice pairs wonderfully with the savory sausage and colorful bell peppers. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze! It’s also an excellent option for freezer meals, ensuring you always have something tasty on hand for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage (chicken sausage works well, but any type of sausage or ground sausage can be used)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice (not minute rice)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Slice the sausage into ½-inch slices and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add butter and sauté the chopped onions until softened. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the rice. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers on top of the rice, then cover again. Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, checking the package for exact cooking time.
- Once done, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes with the lid on.
- Stir in the sour cream, milk, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Return the sausage to the pot and heat until everything is warmed through. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Swap the sausage for chicken, ground beef, or steak for different protein options.
- Try adding different vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, peas, or carrots.
- Use other cream soups like cream of mushroom or broccoli for a different flavor profile.
- Switch up the cheese for mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of your favorites.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat in a pot on low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?
Rinse the rice under cold water for 1 minute to remove excess starch before cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the chicken broth to help prevent sticking.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Any type of sausage works for this recipe, including ground sausage, Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage.
Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. Instant rice tends to be stickier and less creamy, so long-grain rice will give you a better texture and result.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for a couple of days, or even freeze it for later.
How can I make this spicier?
For an extra kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, mushrooms, or asparagus to the dish for more flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with other cream soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli, for a different flavor.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, it will keep for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend to customize the flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Rice recipe is a deliciously easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and comforting. With its creamy rice, savory sausage, and colorful bell peppers, it’s a dish everyone in your family will love. Whether you make it ahead of time or enjoy it right after cooking, it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation!
Sausage and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Sausage and Rice one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring juicy sausage, creamy rice, and colorful bell peppers, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish. The one-pot method makes cleanup easy, and it’s an excellent option for meal prep or freezer meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage (any type, chicken sausage works well)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice (not minute rice)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Slice the sausage into ½-inch pieces and cook per package instructions. Set aside.
- In the same pot, add butter and sauté chopped onions until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add rice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, and cover tightly. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add sliced bell peppers on top of rice, cover, and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream, milk, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Return cooked sausage to the pot and heat everything through. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap the sausage for chicken, ground beef, or steak.
- Use different vegetables, like broccoli, peas, or mushrooms, for added flavor and texture.
- Feel free to switch up the cheese with mozzarella, gouda, or any favorite blend.
