Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a bold, comforting, one-pan dinner packed with smoky, spicy flavor. With juicy sausage, colorful bell pepper, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender rice, this dish delivers serious Louisiana-inspired taste all made in under 40 minutes.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, using simple pantry staples to create a hearty meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Every bite is loaded with bold seasoning and just the right touch of heat, guaranteed to warm you up and fill you up.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a simple, flavorful meal that delivers big Southern comfort in just one pan. The combination of smoky sausage, toasted spices, and tender rice creates a satisfying balance that’s spicy but perfectly comforting.

It’s easy, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable ideal for everything from busy weeknights to Sunday family dinners. One pan, one meal, and tons of flavor it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 14 oz sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Brown the sausage

In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp around the edges.

Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables and spices

Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

Stir well so the spices toast lightly in the oil for about 30 seconds this step deepens the Cajun flavor base.

Step 3: Build the skillet

Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), uncooked rice, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. Avoid removing the lid during this time so the rice cooks evenly.

Step 4: Add sausage back

After 20 minutes, remove the lid and check the rice. If most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered for another 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

If the mixture looks too dry before the rice is fully cooked, add a splash more broth and continue to simmer until it’s perfect.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Once everything is combined and the rice is fluffy, remove from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a burst of freshness.

Serve right out of the skillet it’s hearty, vibrant, and delicious on its own or with a simple green side salad.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use the right sausage: Smoked turkey sausage or beef sausage adds robust flavor. Slice in rounds to get a nice sear.

• Rinse your rice: This helps remove excess starch, giving you perfectly separate, fluffy grains.

• Spice to taste: For a milder dish, reduce or omit cayenne. For a bolder kick, double it or add a dash of hot sauce when serving.

• Don’t lift the lid too early: Trapping the steam ensures the rice cooks evenly and fully.

• Add more veggies: Stir in diced celery, onions, or even corn for extra texture and color.

Tasty Variations to Try

• Shrimp Cajun skillet: Add cooked shrimp during the last 5 minutes for a surf-and-turf twist.

• Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a rich, smooth sauce.

• Cheesy upgrade: Top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a melty finish.

• Veggie-style skillet: Skip the sausage and add beans or tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Spicy tomato swap: Use Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies for added heat.

Serving Ideas

• Weeknight dinner: It’s a complete one-pan meal with protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.

• Meal prep favorite: Store in containers for ready-to-heat lunches throughout the week.

• Party dish: Serve in a cast-iron or deep pan for a rustic, crowd-pleasing presentation.

• Southern-style platter: Pair with cornbread or sautéed greens for a comfort-filled dinner.

• Quick lunch: Enjoy as-is with a squeeze of lemon or lime for brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but note that brown rice takes longer to cook increase the broth to 2 cups and simmer for about 40–45 minutes instead.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes. Add the cooked rice near the end when you return the sausage to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish reheats beautifully store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. Cool completely before freezing in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.

What type of sausage works best?

Andouille-style smoked sausage gives authentic Cajun flavor, but any smoked or turkey sausage works great for a lighter option.

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

---

• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 40
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Bold, one-pan dinner with smoky, spicy Louisiana flavor featuring sausage, bell pepper, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender rice. Hearty and comforting, ready in under 40 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 oz sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• 1 (15-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium. Brown sausage 5–6 minutes until crisp on edges. Remove and set aside, leaving oil in pan.
2. Sauté bell pepper 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Toast 30 seconds.
3. Add diced tomatoes with juices, uncooked rice, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes without lifting lid.
4. Remove lid; if liquid mostly absorbed and rice tender, return sausage to skillet. Stir and simmer uncovered 3–5 minutes. Add broth as needed.
5. Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions. Serve directly from skillet.

Notes

Use andouille or smoked turkey sausage for authentic flavor.

Rinse rice before cooking for fluffy grains.

Keep lid on while simmering to trap steam for perfect rice.

Adjust cayenne for desired spice level.

Add vegetables like celery or corn for extra texture.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 30
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun / Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: cajun sausage rice skillet, spicy southern rice dinner, easy sausage skillet, one pan cajun meal, smoked sausage and rice recipe