Description: This hearty and flavorful dish combines the savory goodness of smoked sausage with the sweetness of bell peppers, onions, and juicy tomatoes, all served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced (optional, for added color and sweetness)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 medium tomato, diced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste, depending on the saltiness of the sausage)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving, long-grain or jasmine rice recommended)
Preparation:
This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. The key is to have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and slice the green and yellow bell peppers into strips. Peel and slice the large yellow onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes (or dice the medium tomato). Having these ready will make the cooking process much faster.
Step 2: Slice the Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into ¼-inch rounds. This thickness allows the sausage to brown nicely and release its flavorful oils into the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already, cook the white rice according to package directions. You can use a rice cooker or cook it on the stovetop. The rice should be hot and fluffy when you’re ready to serve the sausage and vegetable mixture.
Instructions:
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick), heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding. The oil or butter should be shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the sausage slices in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned and slightly crispy. The sausage should be nicely caramelized, releasing its savory flavors. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate. This prevents the sausage from becoming overcooked while you sauté the vegetables.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The onions should become fragrant and the bell peppers should lose some of their crispness. Add the halved cherry tomatoes (or diced tomato) to the skillet and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release some of their juices. The tomatoes will add a burst of freshness and moisture to the dish.
- Season and Combine: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Cajun seasoning (if using). Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors. Make sure the sausage and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Simmer: Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend the flavors and slightly thicken the mixture with the tomato juices. This step allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a cohesive and flavorful dish. The tomato juices will create a light sauce that coats the sausage and vegetables.
- Serve: Spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture generously over hot cooked white rice. Serve immediately while everything is still warm and flavorful. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired, for added freshness and visual appeal.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Smoked Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of savory sausage, sweet vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or sauces.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option for a family dinner.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the sausage and vitamins from the vegetables, this dish offers a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Easy to Clean Up: Since it’s a one-pan meal, cleanup is a breeze.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Flavor: 4/5 (Delicious)
- Versatility: 5/5 (Highly Adaptable)
- Overall: 4.5/5 (Excellent)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over hot cooked white rice, such as long-grain or jasmine rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added freshness.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Tips:
- Use good-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the sausage; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or tofu.
- Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you can use diced canned tomatoes instead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 20-25g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg (depending on the sausage and added salt)
Conclusion:
Smoked Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. With its balanced flavors and customizable ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delightful combination of savory sausage and sweet vegetables in every bite!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! While smoked sausage is traditional for this recipe, you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Kielbasa, Italian sausage (sweet or hot), or even chorizo would be great alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness and type of sausage you choose.
- What can I substitute for white rice? If you’re looking for a healthier or gluten-free option, you can easily substitute the white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Brown rice will take longer to cook, so plan accordingly. Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, and cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative.
- Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian? Yes, it is! To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage or tofu. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, to make it more substantial. Consider using a vegetarian sausage with a smoky flavor to maintain a similar taste profile.
- Can I add any other spices or herbs? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the dish. Some great additions include paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil can also be added at the end for a burst of freshness.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it for a few minutes until heated through, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
