Spicy, savory, and packed with bold Cajun flavors, this Cajun Beef Sausage and Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder! Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Juicy beef sausage, tender rice, and a blend of aromatic spices make every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s an easy meal with minimal cleanup—just one skillet needed!
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Why You’ll Love This Cajun Beef Sausage and Rice Skillet
- One-Pan Convenience: Less mess, more flavor!
- Bold & Spicy: Classic Cajun spices bring the heat.
- Filling & Satisfying: Protein-packed beef sausage and hearty rice make it a complete meal.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients for Cajun Beef Sausage and Rice Skillet
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz beef sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust if needed)
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or pan with lid: For cooking everything in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients.
- Knife & cutting board: For slicing the sausage and chopping veggies.
How to Make Cajun Beef Sausage and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage & Veggies
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced beef sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Toast the Rice & Add Seasonings
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir to combine.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 4: Final Touches & Serve
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in hot sauce (if using).
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a complete meal, or serve with a side of cornbread for extra comfort.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced plate.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for a creamy twist.
Tips for the Best Cajun Beef Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Use the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice works best—avoid instant rice as it may turn mushy.
- Adjust the Spice: Cajun seasoning can be spicy, so start with less and add more to taste.
- Make It Smokier: Add a dash of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A: Yes! Brown rice works but requires a longer cooking time (about 35-40 minutes). Add extra broth if needed.
Q2: Can I make this dish less spicy?
A: Absolutely! Reduce or skip the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to tone down the heat.
Q3: Can I add shrimp or chicken?
A: Yes! Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking or sauté diced chicken with the sausage.
Conclusion: A Bold & Satisfying One-Pan Meal!
This Cajun Beef Sausage and Rice Skillet is packed with smoky, spicy flavors and comes together in just one pan! Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a quick dinner, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your delicious creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Cajun
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 700mg
Enjoy every spicy, savory bite, and happy cooking!
Print
Cajun Beef Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Spicy, savory, and packed with bold Cajun flavors, this Cajun Beef Sausage and Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder! Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Juicy beef sausage, tender rice, and a blend of aromatic spices make every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s an easy meal with minimal cleanup—just one skillet needed!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
Cajun Beef Sausage and Rice Skillet
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz beef sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust if needed)
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage & Veggies
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced beef sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Toast the Rice & Add Seasonings
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir to combine.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 4: Final Touches & Serve
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in hot sauce (if using).
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot!
Notes
- Use the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice works best—avoid instant rice as it may turn mushy.
- Adjust the Spice: Cajun seasoning can be spicy, so start with less and add more to taste.
- Make It Smokier: Add a dash of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Cajun
