Pin this 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 sausage & peppers rice plate when I wanted something hearty but easy for a weeknight dinner. The aroma of sautéed peppers and onions always takes me back to family gatherings, making this one of my favorite comfort meals.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4 (mild or spicy, 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 cloves: 2, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g)
- Chicken broth (or water): 2 cups (480 ml)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried basil: 1/2 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): 2 tbsp
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- 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 Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Bell Peppers:
- Add the bell peppers and cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Rice and Seasonings:
- 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:
- 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.
- Rest and Fluff:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Pin this My family loves gathering around the table for this dish, always going back for seconds, especially when the Parmesan is freshly grated on top right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Italian sausage & peppers rice plate with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine to complete your meal.
Customizations & Substitutions
Use turkey sausage for a lighter version, or add extra veggies such as zucchini. Adjust the spice level with more or less red pepper flakes, and try brown rice for a whole grain option.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the rice moist.
Pin this This sausage & peppers rice plate brings warmth to any table. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it's sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I use spicy sausage for this dish?
Yes, choosing spicy Italian sausage adds extra heat and depth of flavor, enhancing the dish's overall profile.
- → What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the broth and seasonings without becoming mushy.
- → How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice should be tender and have absorbed all the liquid after simmering for 18–20 minutes. Letting it sit covered helps finish the cooking process.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free sausage and verify that the broth contains no gluten to keep the dish gluten-free.
- → What garnishes complement this plate?
Chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese add brightness and a savory finish.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Substitute plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth to create a flavorful vegetarian version.