Sausage and Rice: A Quick One-Pot Wonder for Busy Weeknights
Sausage and rice dishes are popular for their rich flavours and simplicity, making them a beloved choice for quick meals. Our Sausage and Rice recipe combines juicy sausages with creamy, cheesy rice, all cooked in one pot for easy preparation and minimal clean-up.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers delicious leftovers and is an excellent freezer meal option.
Let’s explore everything you need to know to whip up this delightful dish your family will adore.
Why Choose One-Pot Meals?
One-pot meals like this Sausage and Rice recipe are a lifesaver for busy households. They allow you to prepare a hearty meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
The convenience of a one-pot dish not only saves time on cooking but also makes clean-up a breeze. Plus, these meals often enhance flavours as the ingredients meld together during cooking, offering a comforting experience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Sausage and Rice recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, separated
- 11 oz. sausage (chicken, Italian, or ground sausage)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups white long-grain rice, uncooked
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
- 10.75 oz. cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Prepare the Dish
Follow these easy steps to make your Sausage and Rice:
- Sauté the Sausage: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Slice the sausage into ½-inch thick slices. Cook the sausage according to the package instructions until browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the diced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add Chicken Broth and Rice: Pour in 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil before adding the uncooked white rice. Return to a boil, then cover tightly and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes without stirring.
- Incorporate the Bell Peppers: After the initial cooking time, add the sliced red and green bell peppers. Close the lid again without stirring, and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of rice used.
- Let It Sit: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. This resting period helps release any rice stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Combine the Creamy Ingredients: After resting, return the pot to low heat. Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well combined.
- Final Touches: Add the sautéed sausage back into the pot along with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir until everything is heated through, and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Perfect Rice
To prevent your rice from sticking during cooking, try these helpful tips:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the uncooked rice in cool water for about one minute. This removes excess starch and reduces stickiness.
- Add Olive Oil: Mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the chicken broth before adding the rice for an extra layer of flavour and less sticking.
- Avoid Stirring: Don’t stir the rice while it cooks, as this can release starch and make the rice clump together.
- Keep the Lid On: Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to trap steam inside during cooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the rice to rest after cooking. This helps any remaining rice release from the pot’s bottom.
Ingredient Variations
One of the best things about this Sausage and Rice recipe is its versatility. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences:
- Meat Options: You can substitute the sausage with chicken, ham, ground beef, or even steak for a different flavour.
- Rice Types: Experiment with other types of rice, but always check the package for the correct liquid measurements and cooking times.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add in your favourite vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, frozen corn, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Soup Varieties: Use different condensed soups like cream of mushroom, cream of broccoli, or cheddar cheese soup for a unique twist.
Storage Recommendations
If you have leftovers, store your Sausage and Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze this dish for up to three months. This makes it a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Nutritional Information
While the specific nutritional values may vary based on your ingredient choices, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving of Sausage and Rice:
- Calories: 521
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 84mg
- Sodium: 1227mg
- Potassium: 438mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 1307 IU
- Vitamin C: 50mg
- Calcium: 224mg
- Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, feel free to substitute with any type of sausage you prefer, including turkey or plant-based options.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water, but chicken broth adds a richer flavour.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can incorporate a variety of vegetables based on your preferences and what you have available.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Rice recipe is the perfect solution for those hectic evenings when time is short. Not only does it come together quickly in one pot, but it also provides a comforting, flavourful meal that the whole family will enjoy.
With its flexibility and ease of preparation, this dish deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.
For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, be sure to check out our other popular dishes.
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