Juicy turkey sausage rounds, sweet sautéed peppers and onions, and bright, saucy cherry tomatoes spooned over fluffy white rice — this Sausage with Peppers, Onions & Tomatoes Over Rice is comfort food at its most satisfying. It’s bold without being fussy, colorful on the plate, and comes together fast on a weeknight. Fun fact: one-pan meals like this grew from necessity long before modern conveniences — busy cooks have been tossing sausages and veg together for centuries to get dinner on the table quickly and deliciously.
This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick, and family-friendly. Kids love the mild, savory sausage and the soft veggies; grown-ups love the big flavor and low effort. If you enjoy hearty rice dinners, you might also like this easy weeknight dinner with similarly bright flavors, for example, our Coconut Lime Fish Curry for a change of pace and a tropical twist: Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice. Ready to make a one-pan favorite that tastes like it took hours? Let’s go!
What is Sausage with Peppers, Onions & Tomatoes Over Rice?
What’s in a name? Sausage with Peppers, Onions & Tomatoes Over Rice tells you exactly what to expect: tasty sausage, sweet peppers, onions, juicy tomatoes, and a warm bed of rice to catch all the juices. Why so literal? Maybe someone wanted to be sure nobody missed the good stuff! Who named it — a practical cook or a hungry diner on a tight schedule? Either way, the dish proves “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Think of it as the deliciously honest cousin of stuffed peppers or jambalaya: not fancy, but endlessly comforting. Try it and see why simple names often hide brilliant food.
Why You’ll Love This
- Big, bright flavor: The blend of browned turkey sausage, softened peppers, caramelized onions, and slightly roasted tomatoes creates a savory-sweet combination that hits all the right notes. The garlic powder and pepper lift the profile while optional Cajun seasoning adds a playful kick.
- Economical and practical: This is a cost-effective way to feed a family without a long ingredient list or complicated steps. One package of turkey sausage stretches a long way when paired with peppers and rice.
- Versatile toppings and add-ins: Finish with chopped parsley, grated cheese, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Leftovers become easy lunches or a quick dinner reheated in minutes.
If you love skillet rice dinners, compare this to another family favorite like the Crazy Chicken Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese for a different spice route and cheesy finish: Crazy Chicken Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese. Now grab your skillet and let’s make something cozy.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This recipe is straightforward: brown the turkey sausage, sauté the vegetables in the same skillet to capture all the browned flavor, combine everything, and serve over hot cooked rice. Prep is minimal, cook time is short, and the result is satisfying — juicy sausage pieces, tender peppers and onion, a slightly saucy tomato finish. Total time: about 25–30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 15–20 minutes cooking).
Ingredients
1 pound turkey sausage, sliced into 1⁄4-inch thick rounds
1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 medium tomato, diced)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for a kick)
2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet – Begin by heating olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey Sausage – Arrange the turkey sausage slices in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables – Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add the cherry tomatoes and continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
Step 4: Season and Mix Everything Together – Return the browned turkey sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Cajun seasoning if you’re using it. Stir everything together well to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Finish Cooking – Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, letting all the flavors meld and the juices thicken slightly.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice – Spoon the savory sausage and vegetable mixture over a bed of hot, cooked white rice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve With
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls to mop up the saucy bits.
- A side of roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans) for extra color and nutrients.
- Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for those who like heat.
- A cold beer, a light red wine, or iced tea pairs nicely depending on your mood.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use a hot skillet: Browning the sausage well gives you better flavor. Don’t crowd the pan. Brown in batches if needed.
- Swap proteins: Use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or chicken sausage for varied flavor. Cook times may change slightly for thicker sausages.
- Control moisture: If the tomatoes make the pan too wet, cook a bit longer to reduce the juices so the final dish isn’t watery.
- Taste as you season: Turkey sausage can be leaner and milder—adjust salt and spices to suit your palate.
- Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end brightens the dish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration instructions: Cool leftovers to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing instructions: Place cooled mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Best reheating methods: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until heated through. Serve over freshly cooked rice for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use pork or beef sausage instead of turkey?
Yes. Pork, beef, or smoked sausage work well. Adjust cooking times slightly for thicker sausages and check that they are fully cooked.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely. Substitute plant-based sausage or use hearty mushrooms, tempeh, or chickpeas for protein. Increase seasonings to boost flavor.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can brown sausage and slice vegetables ahead, then store separately in the fridge for up to a day. Finish cooking when ready to serve.
What rice works best?
Fluffy white rice is classic, but brown rice, jasmine, or basmati are great too. If using brown rice, pre-cook it or use leftover cooked rice.
How can I make this spicier?
Add more Cajun seasoning, diced fresh jalapeño with the peppers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking.
Conclusion
This Sausage with Peppers, Onions & Tomatoes Over Rice is one of those dependable weeknight winners — quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and comforting on every spoonful. It’s an economical dish that stretches well, is easy to adapt, and reheats beautifully for lunches or second-night dinners. If you loved the one-pan convenience and deep flavors here, check out a related one-pot rice recipe like One Pot Sausage Peppers with Rice for a similar cozy meal idea: One Pot Sausage Peppers with Rice – Coco and Ash. For another skillet-style take on sausage, peppers, and rice that emphasizes quick family meals, see this Sausage, Peppers and Rice Skillet to compare approaches: Sausage, Peppers and Rice Skillet – Kroll’s Korner.
Give this recipe a try tonight, and don’t forget to share it with family or friends — it’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table.
Sausage with Peppers, Onions & Tomatoes Over Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound Turkey sausage sliced into 1⁄4-inch thick rounds
- 1 large Green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 medium Yellow bell pepper optional, thinly sliced
- 1 large Yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved (or 1 medium tomato, diced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning optional, for a kick
- 2 cups Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet – Begin by heating olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2: Brown the Turkey Sausage – Arrange the turkey sausage slices in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables – Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add the cherry tomatoes and continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
- Step 4: Season and Mix Everything Together – Return the browned turkey sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Cajun seasoning if you’re using it. Stir everything together well to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: Finish Cooking – Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, letting all the flavors meld and the juices thicken slightly.
- Step 6: Serve Over Rice – Spoon the savory sausage and vegetable mixture over a bed of hot, cooked white rice. Serve immediately and enjoy!