Save A hearty and flavorful dish featuring juicy Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and aromatic rice—perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
I first made this rice plate on a busy weeknight when I wanted something hearty without spending hours cooking. The blend of sausage, peppers, and rice always reminds me of family gatherings around the dinner table, with everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4 mild or spicy sausages, about 400 g (14 oz)
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups (480 ml) or use water for a lighter flavor
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried basil: 1/2 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, for garnish (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the sausages:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and brown on all sides, about 6&8 minutes. Remove sausages and set aside. Slice into 1-inch pieces when cool enough to handle.
- Sauté onions and garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2&3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the peppers:
- Add the bell peppers and cook for 5&6 minutes until slightly softened.
- Toast rice & add liquid:
- Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute to toast lightly. Pour in the chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer with sausages:
- Reduce heat to low. Nestle the sliced sausages into the rice and vegetable mixture. Cover and simmer for 18&20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
- Finish & fluff:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish & serve:
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Save This meal has quickly become a favorite in our house, especially on chilly evenings when a warm plate brings everyone together. My kids love helping to sprinkle the parsley and cheese as the final touch.
Required Tools
Large skillet with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains meat, possible gluten (check sausage ingredients), and dairy if using Parmesan cheese. Always check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 20 g (per serving)
Save Serve immediately and enjoy the savory balance of sausage and peppers with every bite. This recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple at your table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use turkey sausage instead?
Yes, turkey sausage works well for a lighter, leaner alternative without compromising flavor.
- → What type of rice is best?
Long-grain white rice is recommended to keep the texture fluffy and separate.
- → How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free sausage and ensure the broth is gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
- → Can I substitute vegetables?
Bell peppers can be swapped with other sweet or mild peppers for different flavor variations.
- → Is it possible to prepare vegetarian version?
Yes, replace sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.