Description

Hey friends, Beau here! Ever have one of those nights when your energy’s low, the family’s hangry, and the thought of tackling Mount Dishmore after cooking feels impossible? That’s why this One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is my weeknight superhero. Juicy sausage slices caramelized to perfection, nestled in fluffy rice soaked with smoky BBQ goodness, plus vibrant peppers and onions—all in one skillet. Comfort food without the cleanup chaos. Let’s turn that dinner stress into a cozy win!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb sausage (Italian, smoked, or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or veggie broth)
½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite smoky, sweet, or spicy kind)
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper (red, orange, yellow, or green), diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Veggie or plant-based swap: Use plant-based sausage or chickpeas, veggie broth, and vegan BBQ sauce.

Instructions

Heat oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat. Test by adding a small sausage piece—it should sizzle gently.
Brown sausage slices in a single layer, 3-4 minutes per side, without stirring too much. This forms tasty browned bits (fond). Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper. Cook 3 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up any sausage bits.
Add garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly—watch the garlic so it doesn’t burn!
Stir in uncooked rice, toasting it for 30 seconds in the oil and spices.
Pour in chicken broth and BBQ sauce. Scrape the pan bottom to release all flavorful browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
Nestle sausage back into the skillet, cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and cook 18-20 minutes without peeking.
Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 5 minutes.
Fluff rice gently with a fork, taste and season with salt if needed, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Notes

Spicy Fiesta: Andouille sausage, diced jalapeño, chipotle BBQ sauce, topped with avocado or sour cream.
Veggie-Packed: Sauté mushrooms and zucchini with onions, add rinsed beans, use veggie broth & vegan BBQ sauce.
Pineapple Sweet Heat: Stir in diced pineapple with broth and BBQ sauce—perfect with smoked sausage.
Cheesy Comfort: After fluffing, sprinkle shredded cheddar, cover off heat 2-3 mins to melt.
Creole Kick: Use Andouille sausage, swap smoked paprika for Creole seasoning, add diced celery.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins

Nutrition

Calories: 420 Cal per serving
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g