Creamy, savory, and impossibly easy—this Sausage, Peppers & Rice Skillet is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With juicy smoked turkey sausage, crisp bell peppers, tangy pasta sauce, and fluffy instant rice, everything cooks together in one pan for big flavor with almost no fuss. Fun fact: one-pan skillet meals like this became popular because they save time and dishes—perfect for busy weeknights or anyone who loves comfort food without the long cleanup.
If you’re a fan of quick skillet dinners, you’ll love how this recipe compares to other favorites on the site—think similar comfort to Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet but with Italian-inspired flavors and a lighter, rice-based base. Simple ingredients, a short cook time, and family-approved flavors make this a must-try. Ready to make a dinner that’s fast, filling, and full of flavor? Let’s get cooking!
What is Sausage, Peppers & Rice Skillet?
What’s in a name? Sausage, Peppers & Rice Skillet pretty much tells you everything you need to know—sausage, peppers, and rice all cozying up in one skillet. But where did this idea come from? Maybe someone wanted dinner that cleaned itself; maybe it’s the culinary equivalent of the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who can resist a dish that’s smoky, saucy, and bright with peppers?
Imagine throwing everything into a pan and walking away for a few minutes—sounds heavenly, right? This one-pan wonder is comfort food with a wink: easy, satisfying, and great for feeding hungry families or meal-prepping for the week. Give it a try and see why simple combinations like this are kitchen legends.
Why You’ll Love This:
The main highlight of this dish is the perfect pairing of smoky sausage and sweet bell peppers simmered in a tangy pasta sauce—the sauce soaks into the rice, creating a rich, comforting bite in every forkful. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser with layers of flavor that taste like you spent hours on dinner, but you didn’t.
Cost-saving is another huge plus: using instant rice, a jar of pantry pasta sauce, and a few fresh peppers keeps the cost low while still delivering big taste. Skip expensive takeout and get a homemade meal that stretches to feed a family without breaking the budget.
Finally, the flavorful toppings and add-ins—like drained diced tomatoes with green chilies for a subtle kick and beef broth to deepen the sauce—elevate this simple skillet into something special. If you enjoyed other one-skillet meals like Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice, you’ll appreciate how this recipe balances ease and bold flavor. Try it tonight and see how fast it becomes a weeknight favorite!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This Sausage, Peppers & Rice Skillet is easy because everything cooks in one pan and the instant rice speeds things along. You get a mix of tender rice, browned sausage, and softened peppers bathed in a thick, flavorful sauce. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking takes roughly 15–20 minutes, so you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 cups instant rice, uncooked
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into thin strips (use mixed colors for best presentation)
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 24 oz pasta sauce (your favorite jarred marinara)
- 2 cups beef broth, room temperature
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the edges just begin to brown.
- Add the sliced smoked turkey sausage to the skillet. Saute for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and heated through. Browning adds flavor—don’t rush this step.
- Stir in the 24 oz pasta sauce and the drained 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Add the 2 cups instant rice and 2 cups beef broth to the pan. Sprinkle in 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer according to the rice package directions—usually about 5 minutes for instant rice—until the rice is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Check after 5 minutes and stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Once everything is hot, saucy, and the rice is tender, remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Spoon onto plates and enjoy warm. Garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
What to Serve With:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for sopping up extra sauce
- Roasted or steamed green beans for a fresh, crunchy side
- A simple cucumber and tomato salad for bright contrast
- For drinks: a cold beer, a light red wine, or a sparkling lemonade for kids and adults alike
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Ingredient substitutions: Swap smoked turkey sausage for pork or chicken sausage, or use spicy sausage if you like heat. For a vegetarian version, try smoked tofu or a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Timing adjustments: If you prefer softer peppers, sauté them longer before adding the sausage. If using regular (not instant) rice, increase the broth by 1 cup and simmer longer, covered, until rice is tender.
- Flavor enhancements: Add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth. Finish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan for brightness.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t skip browning the sausage—this step builds flavor. Also, watch the liquid ratio if you swap rice types; too much liquid can make the skillet soupy.
- Texture tip: For a slightly crispy top, transfer the cooked skillet to a 400°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp the edges before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing instructions: To freeze, cool completely, then pack in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Best reheating methods: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between, until heated through.
- Shelf life details: For best quality, consume refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days. Frozen portions are best within 2 months for optimal taste.
FAQs
What type of rice should I use?
Instant rice is called for in this recipe to keep cook time short. If using regular long-grain rice, increase the broth by 1 cup and simmer longer until the rice is tender.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—this recipe is naturally dairy-free if you skip optional Parmesan or herb toppings. Use dairy-free cheese if desired.
How can I make it spicier?
Use spicy smoked sausage, add red pepper flakes, or choose diced tomatoes with a hotter green chili variety to up the heat.
Is it okay to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll want about 1.5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and possibly a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. Drain canned tomatoes to avoid excess liquid.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can chop vegetables and slice sausage in advance and store in the fridge for up to a day. Cook everything just before serving for best texture.
Conclusion
This Sausage, Peppers & Rice Skillet is a weeknight superstar—quick to make, kind to the wallet, and big on flavor. It proves that simple pantry staples and minimal hands-on time can yield a satisfying, saucy meal the whole family will love. Give it a try tonight, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to for busy evenings or casual gatherings.
For more inspiration and variations on sausage and rice skillet dinners, check out this version at Sausage, Peppers and Rice Skillet – Kroll’s Korner, and see another easy take on one-skillet sausage dinners at Easy One-Skillet Sausage and Peppers with Rice.
Sausage, Peppers & Rice Skillet
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Smoked turkey sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 cups Instant rice, uncooked
- 2 Bell peppers, sliced into thin strips Use mixed colors for best presentation
- 1/2 medium Yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 24 oz Pasta sauce (your favorite jarred marinara)
- 2 cups Beef broth, room temperature
- 10 oz Can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the edges just begin to brown.
- Add the sliced smoked turkey sausage to the skillet. Saute for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and heated through.
- Stir in the pasta sauce and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Add the instant rice and beef broth to the pan. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer according to the rice package directions—usually about 5 minutes for instant rice—until the rice is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Once everything is hot, saucy, and the rice is tender, remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Spoon onto plates and enjoy warm.