Sausage Peppers with Rice

Featured in: All-American Desserts

This vibrant skillet meal combines savory sausages with colorful bell peppers and fluffy white rice, creating a hearty, comforting centerpiece for your table. Quick to prepare, it features sautéed onions and peppers caramelized in olive oil, Italian-seasoned pork or poultry sausages, and tender rice cooked in broth for extra flavor. Customize with spicy or mild sausages, add fresh parsley for brightness, and enjoy the satisfying textures and flavors that make it a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Leftovers store well and can be reheated for future meals.

Updated on Sun, 26 Oct 2025 08:54:00 GMT
Sausage and Peppers with Rice garnished with parsley, showcasing vibrant colors and hearty textures.  Save
Sausage and Peppers with Rice garnished with parsley, showcasing vibrant colors and hearty textures. | dashofstates.com

A vibrant, comforting dish featuring sautéed sausages, sweet bell peppers, onions, and fluffy rice—perfect for a hearty family meal.

I first made sausage and peppers with rice for my family on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a requested favorite. The savory aroma while it cooks always brings everyone to the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Italian sausages: 4 pork, chicken, or turkey sausages (about 400 g total)
  • Red bell pepper: 1 large, sliced
  • Yellow bell pepper: 1 large, sliced
  • Green bell pepper: 1 large, sliced
  • Onion: 1 large, sliced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, optional
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, optional

Instructions

Prepare the rice:
Rinse rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Cook sausages:
While rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 12 minutes). Remove sausages from skillet and set aside. Once slightly cooled, slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
Sauté peppers and onion:
In the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
Add seasonings:
Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine sausage and vegetables:
Return sliced sausages to skillet. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Serve:
Serve sausage and peppers over rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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| dashofstates.com

We love making this meal for Sunday dinner, gathering everyone around the table where laughter and second helpings are guaranteed. It’s a recipe that brings warmth to chilly evenings.

Required Tools

Large skillet, medium saucepan with lid, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains meat, possible gluten (check sausage ingredients), possible soy (check sausage ingredients). For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free sausages and broth.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 540, Total Fat: 28 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 24 g

A delicious plate of Sausage and Peppers with Rice, bursting with flavor and freshness.  Save
A delicious plate of Sausage and Peppers with Rice, bursting with flavor and freshness. | dashofstates.com

This dish is certain to become a staple for busy nights or festive gatherings. Enjoy every flavorful bite with your loved ones!

Recipe FAQ

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausages, whether pork, chicken, or turkey, offer traditional flavor. You may use mild, spicy, or even vegetarian sausage varieties for customization.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure the sausages and broth are certified gluten-free, and double-check all packaging to avoid hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be added to the sautéing step with peppers and onions for extra nutrition and variety.

What’s a good garnish option?

Fresh chopped parsley adds brightness, while grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance flavor and presentation.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute plant-based sausages to maintain hearty texture and flavor without meat content.

Sausage Peppers with Rice

A vibrant dish of sautéed sausages, colorful peppers, and fluffy rice, ideal for easy, hearty dinners.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional considerations No dairy

Components

Meats

01 4 Italian sausages (pork, chicken, or turkey; approximately 14 oz total)

Vegetables

01 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
02 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
03 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
04 1 large onion, sliced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains

01 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Pantry & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
04 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Phase 02

Brown the Sausages: While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides and cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Slice the cooked sausages into 0.5-inch pieces.

Phase 03

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add slices of onion and all three bell peppers. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and lightly caramelized.

Phase 04

Season and Combine: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 05

Finish with Sausages: Return the sliced sausages to the skillet. Mix well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Phase 06

Serve and Garnish: Arrange the prepared rice on individual plates or a serving platter. Spoon the sausage and pepper mixture over the rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains meat (sausage) and may contain gluten or soy depending on sausage ingredients.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, use certified gluten-free sausages and broth.
  • Always check ingredient labels for allergy information.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 540
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 24 g