There’s nothing better than a hearty, satisfying one-pan meal, and this Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet is an absolute winner! Loaded with flavorful sausage, tender brown rice, white beans, and fresh spinach, it’s a complete dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of the sausage pair beautifully with the sweet bell pepper and aromatic herbs for a meal the whole family will love.
This skillet dinner is an easy, comforting classic, brimming with flavor from the slow-simmered rice and savory, juicy Italian sausage.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Savory and rich from the sausage, with a lovely warmth from the red pepper flakes and aromatic depth from the Italian herbs.
- Textures: Hearty and dense, thanks to the long grain brown rice and creamy white beans, offset by the slight softness of the cooked vegetables and the wilted fresh spinach.
- Total Time: Approximately 15 minutes of active prep and about 40–50 minutes of simmering/cooking time.
- Difficulty Level: Easy this recipe involves simple sautéing, stirring, and simmering, making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels.
What You’ll Need
This Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe brings together protein, grain, and vegetables all in one pan. The base features spicy Italian sausage and a medley of red onion and bell pepper. The main bulk comes from long grain brown rice and white beans, all simmered in water and canned diced tomatoes, seasoned perfectly with dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a touch of sea salt and red pepper flakes. Fresh spinach is added at the end for color and nutrition.
Ingredient Notes
- Italian Sausage – Using spicy Italian sausage is key for the fantastic flavor base. Make sure to remove it from its casings before cooking so you can easily crumble it in the pan.
- Long Grain Brown Rice – Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, which is why this recipe includes a generous simmer time. It also adds a wonderful, nutty flavor and a satisfying texture.
- Diced Tomatoes – Do not drain the can! The juice from the diced tomatoes adds essential liquid and acidity to help the rice cook and infuse the whole dish with flavor.
- White Beans – Canned white beans, like cannellini or navy beans, add creamy texture and extra protein. Remember to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the skillet.
- Red Pepper Flakes – This is what elevates the heat level slightly. If you use mild Italian sausage, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste, or omit them if you prefer zero heat.
Add-ins and Substitutions
This skillet is great as is, but here are a few simple ways to switch up the flavors without altering the main cooking method:
- Veggies: You can substitute the bell pepper with a yellow or orange pepper, or add in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms or zucchini when you add the onion and pepper.
- Cheesy Finish: Stir in a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese at the very end when the rice is done cooking for an extra layer of savory richness.
- Protein Swap: If you prefer, ground chicken or turkey seasoned with fennel and crushed red pepper flakes can be used instead of Italian sausage. You will need to add 1 tablespoon of olive oil before cooking the ground meat since it contains less fat.
- Lighter Flavor: If you don’t want the intense flavor of spicy sausage, use mild Italian sausage instead and adjust the amount of red pepper flakes you add.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet
Making this hearty skillet meal is incredibly easy, as everything cooks right in one pan. The key is allowing enough time for the long grain brown rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
First, you’ll cook the sausage and vegetables to establish the flavor base, and then everything simmers together.
- Cook the Sausage: Place the 1 lb of sausage (removed from casings) in a large skillet and heat over medium. Stir and crumble the sausage as it cooks until it is fully browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: If you notice a substantial amount of grease in the pan, drain most of it off. Add the diced red onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft. This will take an additional 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Rice: Add the long grain brown rice, drained and rinsed white beans, the undrained can of diced tomatoes, all the seasonings (herbs, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes), and 5 1/2 cups of water. Stir everything well to combine. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for approximately 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice should be nearly tender, and the liquid should be mostly evaporated.
- Finish with Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach, a few handfuls at a time, allowing each batch to wilt down before adding the next. Once all the spinach is added, cover the skillet one last time and let the rice finish cooking completely. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately after it’s done.
- Serve: Serve the Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet warm.
Pro Tip:
It’s important to stir the mixture occasionally during the 40-minute simmer time to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure the grains cook evenly.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Over-Drain: Only drain off excess grease from the sausage. A little fat left in the pan is essential for sautéing the onion and pepper and adding flavor to the final dish.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the heat steady at a medium-low setting so the liquid is simmering gently, not rapidly boiling. This ensures the rice cooks through without the liquid evaporating too quickly.
- Check for Tenderness: The best way to know the dish is done is by tasting the rice. It should be fully tender after the final cover-and-rest step. If it still feels too firm, add 1/4 cup more water and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Spinach Wilting: Adding the spinach in batches makes it easier to incorporate into the rice mixture without overcrowding the pan. The residual heat will wilt it quickly.
FAQs
Q: Can I use white rice instead of brown rice? A: You can, but you would need to drastically reduce the amount of water and the simmering time, as white rice cooks much faster. This recipe is specifically developed for the long cooking time required for brown rice.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this meal? A: Yes, this skillet meal freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: What if my rice isn’t fully cooked after 40 minutes? A: If the liquid has evaporated but the rice is still firm, simply add another 1/2 cup of water, cover, and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a hearty meal all by itself, but these light and fresh sides pair perfectly with the rich flavors:
- Simple Green Salad: A basic mix of greens tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette (like lemon and olive oil) provides a great contrast.
- Garlic Bread: A classic side for soaking up any remaining sauce and adding a wonderful crunch.
- Sautéed Zucchini: Quick-sautéed zucchini or asparagus spears seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Fresh Basil: Finish the plated dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbaceous note.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can prep several components of this recipe ahead of time. The diced red onion and bell pepper can be chopped up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The sausage can be cooked and crumbled ahead of time and stored separately in the fridge for up to two days. However, the final dish is best when the rice is freshly cooked; we don’t recommend cooking the entire skillet more than a day ahead of serving, as the rice can become dry upon reheating.
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Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet (One-Pan Dinner)
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty, one-pan Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet is an absolute winner for busy weeknights. It features savory Italian sausage, long-grain brown rice, creamy white beans, and fresh spinach, all simmered in a rich tomato base with aromatic Italian herbs. This complete, easy dinner is comforting and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
Skillet Base
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 medium red onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
Rice and Liquid
- 2 cups long grain brown rice
- 1 (19 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, do not drain
- 5 1/2 cups water
Seasoning and Finish
- 2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 6 oz fresh spinach (about 6 cups)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Place the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir and crumble the sausage as it cooks until it is fully browned and cooked through (about 5-10 minutes). Drain off any substantial excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced red onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Step 3: Simmer the Rice
Add the brown rice, drained and rinsed white beans, the undrained can of diced tomatoes, water, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, sea salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a medium-low setting so the liquid is simmering gently. Let the mixture cook for approximately 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The rice should be nearly tender, and the liquid mostly absorbed.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach, adding a few handfuls at a time. Allow each batch to wilt down before adding the next. Once all the spinach is incorporated, cover the skillet one last time and let the rice finish cooking completely. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve the Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet warm on its own or alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread.
Notes
Storage and Freezing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This meal also freezes well; let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Prevent Sticking: It is important to stir the rice occasionally during the 40-minute simmering time to prevent the long grain brown rice from settling and sticking to the bottom of the pan. Use a medium-low heat setting to maintain a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil.
Flavor Variation (Cheesy Finish): For an added layer of richness, stir in a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese just after the spinach has wilted and the rice is fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Italian sausage, rice skillet, one-pan dinner, brown rice recipe, white beans, spinach
