Craving a meal that’s comforting, complex, great for diners of all ages and that’s gloriously simple to prep without dirtying a stack of dishes? Then it’s time to make friends with sausage and rice recipes!
Complete meals (that are often one pot!), sausage and rice recipes are deeply flavorful dinnertime solutions. They’re also a breeze to make and can be tailored to suit everyone’s tastes. Get creative, and easy sausage and rice recipes can transport you to Asia, to the bayou, to Europe, and more!
Is fixing dinner starting to feel like a chore? Infuse a little fun into every meal with savory, satisfying sausage and rice recipes the whole family will devour.
Best Sausages to Use in Rice Recipes
Cooks have been pairing sausage with rice for eons. But, there’s more than one way to make this perennially popular combo! By switching up the type of rice and sausage you use, there’s practically no limit to the number of intriguing dishes you can create from this ingredient duo. Select add-ins based on the type of sausage you choose, pairing vegetables, herbs and spices that are the best match.
- Raw sausage – Whether beef, poultry or pork, this type of sausage must be cooked. It can either be cooked whole, on a grill or in a frying pan, or removed from the casing and used in recipes that call for ground sausage.
- Smoked sausage – Generally fully cooked (though some raw smoked varieties exist), this type of sausage can usually be added to dishes near the end of the cooking time. As its name suggests, it is smoky and savory, with the mild flavor of herbs and spices.
- Andouille sausage – A type of pork smoked sausage, andouille is a key ingredient in Cajun cooking. Seasoned with pepper, paprika, chili powder and more, andouille is generally spicy with a distinct smoky flavor.
- Italian sausage – Italian seasonings and herbs are used to give this type of sausage its unique characteristics. Available in hot or mild, it’s a natural partner with white rice and tomato-based dishes.
- Chorizo – Sliced or browned in a skillet, this bold type of sausage adds depth to any dish. Rich with oregano, garlic, chili powder, cumin and more, a little goes a long way.
- Chicken or turkey sausage – Lighter in flavor than pork or beef sausages, chicken and turkey sausages can be flavored in myriad ways. Opt for a breakfast variety to go in egg-based burritos, Italian sausage for pasta dishes or sausages with Mediterranean seasonings for couscous bowls and salads.
- Plant-based sausage – Just because you don’t eat meat doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy easy sausage and rice recipes! From plant-based chorizo crumbles to meatless links, vegan offerings are a delicious substitute to use in any type of sausage and rice recipe.
Easy Sausage and Rice Recipes to Try
No matter what you’re craving, we’ve got enough sausage and rice recipes to satisfy! From smoked sausage recipes to ground sausage recipes, comforting one-bowl meals to bold dishes that pack a punch, you’ll find a world of flavors in this crowd-pleasing collection.
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Sliced andouille sausage teams up with Cajun seasoning and fire-roasted tomatoes in this striking meal. Despite its depth of flavor, this crowd-pleaser is ready to wow in just 20 minutes.
Louisiana Dirty Rice
A homey meal that will draw everyone to the table, this bowl of seasoned white rice is warm, hearty and flavorful. Substitute ground beef for ground sausage and create a sausage and rice recipe you’ll turn to night after night!
Jambalaya Rice Recipe
Green bell pepper, celery and onion (the holy trinity of Cajun cooking) pair with seasoned chicken and smoked sausage in this family-friendly meal. Switch up the proteins (think shrimp or vegan sausage crumbles) for a tasty new take on this dish.
Speedy Chicken Gumbo
Pull dinner together in less than 30 minutes with this saucy, savory, warming stew. Scrumptious, thanks to andouille sausage and shredded chicken, it’s also easy to customize with the vegetables, rice and proteins you have on hand.
Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Italian Sausage
Sausage and rice recipes don’t get much more elegant than this! Rich with tomatoes and hearty sausage, cheese and herbs, this colorful main will transport you to Italy for the night. For a nutty burst of whole grains, sub in white rice for brown.
Easy Smoked Sausage and White Rice
Hidden under a molten blanket of mozzarella, fluffy Success® boil-in-bag white rice, crunchy vegetables and golden smoked sausage rounds turn into an irresistible meal! Leftovers—if there are any!—can squash major midday appetites.
Sausage, Egg & Bacon Fried Rice
Sausage and rice recipes aren’t just for dinner! Serve this simple yet satisfying ground sausage dish for breakfast, brunch or lunch and expect everyone to plead for leftovers.
Sauerkraut, Sausage and Rice
Tangy and hearty, this autumnal dish will warm you to your core. With just a handful of flavor-packed ingredients—including sausage, basmati rice, sauerkraut and celery seed—this unique dish is ready in a flash.
Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Rice and Sausage
Impress the family or guests with this deceptively simple stunner. Fresh and light, smoky and savory, these stuffed zucchini boats are a novel take on traditional sausage and rice recipes.
Creole Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya
Fluffy Success® boil-in-bag white rice soaks up the flavors of sautéed vegetables, fire-roasted tomatoes, succulent sausage, chicken and seasonings in this delectable dish. Depending on who’s dining, turn the heat way up or tone it down.
Red Beans & Rice with Sausage
Busy weeknights demand simple dinners. Happily, this speedy one-pot meal isn’t just easy—it’s also desperately delicious! Brimming with hearty beans, vegetables, savory andouille sausage and spiced white rice, every bite delivers a unique flavor combo.
Weeknight wonders that never disappoint, sausage and rice recipes make any cook a kitchen hero! Warm and comforting, with layers of flavor, these simple dishes can delight even the most discerning of diners. Straightforward and delicious? Put easy sausage and rice recipes on the menu and everyone wins!