Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
This easy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner, combining smoky-spicy flavors with hearty ingredients. It’s a versatile dish that suits family meals, gatherings, or simply when you want something quick yet satisfying. The one-pan nature of this recipe makes cleanup a breeze while delivering bold taste in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- One-Pan Meal: This recipe uses just one skillet, reducing cleanup and making it convenient for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and smoked sausage fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delightful flavors.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and carbs, this dish will keep you satisfied throughout the evening.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven: A deep skillet allows for even cooking and ample space for all ingredients to blend together beautifully.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the sausage and dicing vegetables fast and safe.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping, helping keep your workspace organized.
Ingredients
This easy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect easy and filling weeknight dinner, packed with plenty of smoky-spicy flavor!
Main Ingredients
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage ($3.99)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.04)
- 1 bell pepper ($0.89)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.10)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano ($0.05)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme ($0.05)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder ($0.02)
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.02)
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.01)
- 1 15oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes ($1.00)
- 1 cup long grain white rice ($0.62)
- 1.5 cups chicken broth ($0.20)
- 2 green onions, sliced ($0.20)
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Add the sliced sausage and cooking oil to your deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
– Sauté until well browned.
– Don’t worry if there’s browning on the bottom; this adds great flavor.
Step 2: Add Bell Pepper
While the sausage cooks, dice your bell pepper.
– Once browned, add the bell pepper to the skillet.
– Sauté for about one minute until slightly softened.
Step 3: Toast Spices
Next, incorporate your spices into the mix.
– Add smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.
– Sauté for one additional minute to toast these flavors.
Step 4: Combine Other Ingredients
Now it’s time to add more ingredients!
– Pour in fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), rice, and chicken broth.
– Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 5: Simmer It Down
Cover with a lid and turn up heat to medium-high until boiling.
– Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes.
– After simmering, remove from heat but leave covered for an extra 5 minutes.
Step 6: Finish Up
Finally, remove the lid and give everything a good fold.
– Redistribute sausage and rice evenly throughout.
– Top with sliced green onions before serving!
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Serving your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to complement this smoky-spicy dish.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro adds a fresh touch.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love extra heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Green Salad: A light salad balances the richness of the skillet.
- Cornbread: This classic Southern side pairs perfectly with the dish.
Serving Style
- Family Style: Serve it right from the skillet for a rustic, communal feel.
- Individual Bowls: Portion out servings for an elegant presentation.
Beverages
- Sweet Tea: A classic Southern drink that complements the flavors well.
- Beer: A light lager or pale ale enhances the meal’s spice.
How to Perfect Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
To achieve the best results with your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Sausage: Use high-quality Andouille sausage for authentic flavor.
- Don’t Rush Browning: Allowing the sausage to brown properly adds depth to your dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak spices according to your heat preference.
- Let it Rest: Letting the skillet rest after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Pairing side dishes with your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies on the grill bring a smoky flavor that complements the skillet.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy tomatoes provide a tangy kick perfect for this meal.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad balances out spicy flavors well.
- Garlic Bread: This buttery bread is excellent for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs wonderfully with spicy flavors, enhancing your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking a Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the browning step: Don’t rush through browning the sausage. This adds flavor to your dish, so take the time to get that nice color.
- Overcooking the rice: Ensure you follow the cooking time precisely. Overcooked rice can become mushy and ruin the texture of your Cajun dish.
- Ignoring spice measurements: Each spice contributes unique flavors. Use precise measurements for a balanced taste rather than guessing.
- Not letting it rest: Allowing the finished dish to rest covered for 5 minutes is crucial. This helps flavors meld together and improves overall taste.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Invest in good quality sausage and fresh spices. Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Divide into portions before freezing for easy meals later.
- The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
Reheating Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a delicious Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute Andouille with other sausages like turkey or chicken sausage according to your preference.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes?
You can use regular diced tomatoes; just consider adding extra spices like smoked paprika for added flavor.
How can I customize my Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet?
Feel free to add vegetables such as zucchini or corn for more texture and nutrients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This skillet dish makes a fantastic meal prep option since it reheats well.
Final Thoughts
The Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It’s packed with flavors that bring comfort on any weeknight. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices!
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the South to your dinner table. This one-pan meal combines smoky Andouille sausage with tender rice and a medley of spices, creating a comforting dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this hearty dish that feeds the whole family. Best of all, the cleanup is a breeze thanks to its one-skillet nature. Customize it with your favorite vegetables to make it your own or keep it classic for an authentic Cajun experience.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 15oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Brown the sliced sausage in a deep skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Add diced bell pepper and sauté for one minute until softened.
- Stir in spices and toast for another minute.
- Combine fire roasted tomatoes, rice, and chicken broth; stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes.
- Let it rest covered for an extra 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
