Easy Smoked Sausage Skillet - One-Pan Dinner in 30 Mins

Life gets busy, right? Some nights, the thought of cooking a delicious, well-balanced meal feels like a distant dream. But what if we told you that you could have a hearty, flavorful dinner on the table in about 30-35 minutes, all in one pan? Enter the Easy Smoked Sausage Skillet. This isn't one of those heavy, overly complicated recipes you find from big brands that leave you feeling sluggish, nor is it a long, drawn-out smoker project that takes half your day.
Our one-pan wonder focuses on flavor, health balance, and incredibly easy clean-up. We’re talking perfectly browned smoked sausage, fluffy rice, and tender-crisp veggies, all seasoned to perfection. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know: from picking the best smoked sausage at the grocery store and mastering simple cooking techniques to keep your rice fluffy and veggies just right, to smart ways to store and reuse any delicious leftovers. Get ready to make your weeknights a whole lot tastier and stress-free!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12-14 ounces (about 2 links) fully cooked smoked sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken), sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or Italian seasoning)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen green beans or broccoli florets
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Prep Everything First: Before you even turn on the stove, get all your ingredients ready. Slice the smoked sausage, chop your onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, rinse your rice thoroughly under cold water until it runs clear, and measure out your broth and seasonings. This makes the cooking process smooth and quick.
2. Brown the Smoked Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large (10-12 inch) skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beautifully browned and slightly crispy. If your sausage releases a lot of grease, you can carefully spoon out any excess fat from the pan now to keep the dish lighter and prevent it from becoming too oily. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving any flavorful drippings in the pan.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Toast the Rice: Stir the rinsed long-grain white rice into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until each grain is lightly coated in the flavorful oil and drippings. This step helps to toast the rice, enhancing its flavor and preventing it from becoming mushy.
5. Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, smoked paprika (or Italian seasoning), salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Nestle the browned smoked sausage slices back into the skillet, distributing them evenly.
6. Cover and Cook: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is just tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often during this time, as it lets out precious steam.
7. Finish and Rest: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen green beans or broccoli florets. Re-cover the skillet and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and veggies, ensuring a perfect texture.
8. Fluff & Serve: Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and taste. Adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, chili flakes) if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately in plates or bowls, family-style, for a comforting and complete meal.