Easy Smoked Sausage Skillet
I still remember that busy weeknight when I first whipped up this smoked sausage skillet. My kitchen was a mess, and dinner time was creeping up fast. That’s when this simple recipe saved the day, turning basic ingredients into a hearty meal that had my family asking for seconds. If you’re hunting for easy sausage recipes for dinner that pack flavor without the fuss, this one’s a winner. It’s quick, uses one pan, and blends smoky sausage with fresh veggies over rice. Perfect for those chaotic evenings when you need something satisfying on the table pronto.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this smoked sausage skillet has been my go-to for years. It’s incredibly versatile – swap in your favorite veggies or spice it up for extra kick. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and kid-approved in my house.
What really hooks me is how it combines protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish. No need for sides if you’re short on time. And cleanup? Just one skillet to wash. If you’re into quick sausage meals for busy nights, this hits the spot every time.
Folks rave about its simplicity. With over 1,400 people trying it and a solid 4.4-star rating, it’s clear this isn’t just my favorite – it’s a crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how the smoky flavors mingle with the fresh crunch of peppers and onions.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Key Equipment: Large skillet, knife for slicing
This setup makes it ideal for weeknight sausage dinner ideas. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself with leftovers, it’s scalable. I often double it for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple items for your sausage skillet recipe. Most are pantry staples or easy to grab at the store.
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 (14 ounce) package smoked sausage, like Hillshire Farm®, diagonally cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced thin
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli, thawed
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups instant rice
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pro tip: Opt for a good-quality smoked sausage to elevate the dish. If you’re watching sodium, choose a low-sodium version. These ingredients make for healthy sausage meals with a balance of nutrients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this easy sausage recipe for dinner is straightforward. I’ll walk you through it like I’m right there in your kitchen.
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This base infuses everything with garlicky goodness.
- Toss in the sliced smoked sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. I love how the edges get a little crispy – that’s where the flavor shines.
- Now, add the sliced red bell pepper, onion, and thawed broccoli. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for around 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the veggies are tender and most of the liquid absorbs.
- While that’s bubbling away, cook the instant rice according to the package directions. It usually takes just a few minutes in the microwave or on the stove.
- Once the skillet mixture is ready, stir in the cooked rice right there in the pan. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top and let it melt slightly from the residual heat. Serve it up hot!
These steps keep things simple for beginner cooks. If you’re new to skillet sausage recipes, this is a great starting point. The whole process feels effortless, yet the result tastes like you spent hours.
Helpful Tips
I’ve tweaked this recipe over time, and here are some real insights to make it even better.
First, if your broccoli is frozen solid, thaw it in the microwave for a minute to speed things up. This prevents sogginess in the final dish.
Try adding a dash of red pepper flakes if you like spicy sausage dinners. It gives a nice heat without overpowering the smoky notes.
For a healthier twist, swap white rice for brown or quinoa. It adds fiber and makes this one of those nutritious sausage recipes for dinner.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the sausage. Give it space to caramelize properly – that’s key for depth of flavor.
If you’re out of tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes work in a pinch. Just drain them a bit to avoid extra liquid.
These tips come from my own kitchen trials. Experimenting keeps sausage meal ideas fresh and exciting.
Variations: Make it Italian-style by adding oregano and basil. Or go Mexican with cumin, black beans, and corn instead of broccoli. This flexibility turns one recipe into many quick sausage recipes for variety.
How to Serve
This smoked sausage skillet shines on its own, but pairing it right elevates the meal.
I like to dish it out family-style straight from the pan. Top with extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the juices. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners with sausage.
For a low-carb option, skip the rice and pile it over cauliflower rice. Keeps it light yet satisfying.
Guests coming? Garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color. It looks as good as it tastes.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? No problem – this dish stores well for busy weeks.
Cool it completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Or warm it on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Freezing works too. Portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Always check for freshness, but in my experience, it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 4 servings), this recipe packs a punch without overdoing it.
- Calories: 722
- Total Fat: 45g (58% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 14g (71% DV)
- Cholesterol: 72mg (24% DV)
- Sodium: 1243mg (54% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 55g (20% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 6g (20% DV)
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 23g (46% DV)
- Vitamin C: 96mg (107% DV)
- Calcium: 174mg (13% DV)
- Iron: 4mg (23% DV)
- Potassium: 395mg (8% DV)
These values are approximate and based on a 2,000-calorie diet. If you’re tracking macros for healthy sausage recipes, this offers good protein and vitamin boosts. Consult a pro for personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions about this sausage skillet dinner? I’ve got answers from my own cooking adventures.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Absolutely! Just chop it small and add a minute or two to the simmer time. It stays crispier that way.
What if I don’t have instant rice? Regular rice works fine – just cook it separately and add at the end. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor for variety.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as your sausage and broth are gluten-free. Double-check labels to be sure.
Can I make it ahead? Prep the veggies and sausage in advance, then cook when ready. It cuts down on weeknight rush.
How do I make it less salty? Choose low-sodium sausage and broth. Rinse the veggies if needed, and taste as you go.
These cover common hiccups in easy dinner recipes with sausage. If something else pops up, tweak it to fit your taste.
Conclusion
This smoked sausage skillet is a quick, flavorful dinner solution that’s perfect for busy nights. It combines smoky sausage, fresh veggies, and cheesy rice in one easy pan. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a go-to for any home cook. Try it tonight, save it for later, or share your twist in the comments!
