Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe: Quick 30-Minute Family Dinner

Discover how to make a savory smoked sausage skillet packed with veggies and cheesy rice—all in one pan for hassle-free weeknight dinners.

By Srija Burman

Aug 28, 2025

Discover how to make a savory smoked sausage skillet packed with veggies and cheesy rice—all in one pan for hassle-free weeknight dinners.

Image: HearthJunction Design Team

Easy Smoked Sausage Skillet: An All-in-One Family Meal

Looking for a hearty, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and uses just one skillet? This easy smoked sausage skillet recipe delivers a savory medley of sausage, fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and melty mozzarella cheese—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying comfort food meal without the mess of multiple pans. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this crowd-pleaser at home.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Sausage Skillet

One-skillet meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in a single pan.
Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
Family-friendly: Comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile: Easily modify with your favorite veggies or different cheese.
Satisfying: Protein-packed sausage, nutritious veggies, and filling rice.

Ingredients

This smoked sausage skillet uses a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients—most of which you may already have on hand:

1/4 cup olive oil (for sautéing and flavor)
2 cloves garlic, crushed (adds aromatic depth)
1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage (such as Hillshire Farm®), sliced on the diagonal (for extra browning)
1 large red bell pepper, sliced thin (sweet, colorful crunch)
1 small yellow onion, sliced thin (savory base)
1 (10-ounce) package frozen broccoli, thawed (or fresh florets)
1/2 cup chicken broth or water (for moisture and flavor)
1/2 cup tomato sauce (adds richness and brings the dish together)
2 cups instant rice (cooks quickly and absorbs flavor)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (gooey, melty topping)

How to Make an Easy Smoked Sausage Skillet

Sauté the Garlic and Sausage:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add crushed garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring, until browned on all sides.
Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the thinly sliced bell pepper and onion, along with the thawed broccoli. Continue cooking until vegetables begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
Simmer with Sauce and Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, uncovered, until vegetables are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Rice:
While the sausage and vegetables simmer, cook the instant rice according to package directions.
Combine Rice and Skillet Mixture:
Stir the cooked rice directly into the skillet, mixing well so the rice absorbs all the savory juices and flavor.
Add Cheese and Serve:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top of the hot skillet mixture. Let it sit a minute or two so the cheese melts, then serve immediately.

Tips for Success

Slice the sausage on a diagonal for more surface area and extra browning.
Use fresh broccoli florets if you prefer, but steam or blanch them briefly before adding.
Spice it up by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or swapping in pepper jack cheese for mozzarella.
Make it vegetarian by using a smoked plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Don’t overcook the rice; it should be fluffy and just tender before stirring into the skillet.
For a creamier texture, try adding a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream with the cheese.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (estimated)
Calories	About 360
Protein	16g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	17g
Sodium	870mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for color and flavor.
Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serve with a lemon wedge for a hint of bright acidity.
Top with additional cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.

Customization Ideas

This one-pan dinner is easy to adapt to whatever you have in your pantry or fridge:

Vegetables: Swap broccoli for zucchini, peas, spinach, or carrots.
Grains: Substitute instant brown rice, quinoa, or orzo for the rice.
Cheese: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Sausage: Use kielbasa, andouille, chorizo, or a spicy Italian sausage for a flavor twist.
Sauces: Add a spoonful of pesto or a splash of hot sauce for extra depth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Soggy Rice: Make sure to cook the rice separately and stir it in when everything else is ready. Excess liquid should be absorbed before combining.
Burning or Sticking: Keep the heat at medium and stir regularly, especially after adding the vegetables and sauce.
Not Enough Flavor: Adjust seasoning at the end—try a pinch of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or paprika to boost taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: Chop all vegetables and sausage in advance. You can even cook the sausage and vegetables and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before assembling the skillet.
Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Microwave leftovers in 60-second increments, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: While you can freeze cooked sausage and rice mixtures, the texture of the veggies and rice may soften. Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months for best quality.

Recipe Variations

Cajun Smoked Sausage Skillet: Add Cajun seasoning and swap mozzarella for cheddar for a spicier Southern-style meal.
Tex-Mex Skillet: Use chorizo, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a Mexican cheese blend.
Mediterranean Skillet: Include artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce or omit cheese for a lighter version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with kielbasa, andouille, turkey sausage, chorizo, or your favorite plant-based sausage.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh broccoli, bell peppers, and onions cook beautifully in the skillet. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I substitute regular rice for instant rice?

You can use regular long-grain rice, but it will need to be cooked separately before adding to the skillet. The recipe is written for instant rice for speed and convenience.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Choose a smoked plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious meat-free meal.

Will the cheese melt properly if sprinkled on top?

The residual heat from the skillet will melt the cheese nicely. If you want it extra gooey, you can cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes after adding the cheese.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey feel.
Sprinkle with chopped herbs (such as parsley, basil, or chives) for a fresh finish and a pop of color.
Offer extra shredded cheese, hot sauce, or lemon wedges on the side so everyone can customize their plate.

Why Smoked Sausage Works So Well in a Skillet Meal

Smoked sausage is ideal for quick dinners: it’s fully cooked, robustly seasoned, and browns beautifully for extra flavor. Sautéing it with garlic, peppers, and onions provides a delicious foundation, and the addition of tomato sauce and chicken broth creates a rich, savory sauce that the rice eagerly soaks up. The final topping of mozzarella cheese brings the entire dish together with creamy, melty goodness.

Conclusion: A Weeknight Winner

This easy smoked sausage skillet is a dependable recipe to add to your dinner rotation, offering crowd-pleasing satisfaction with little effort or cleanup. With its balance of protein, veggies, and carbs, it’s a complete meal that’s endlessly adaptable and sure to become a family favorite. Try it as written or use the customization ideas to make it your own—either way, you’re in for a delicious, stress-free dinner.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman