When it comes to hearty, flavorful meals that are both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet takes center stage. Imagine a dish that combines the bold spices of Cajun cuisine with tender rice, vibrant veggies, and savory beef sausage. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and spice, drawing everyone to the table like magic. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you crave comfort with a kick.
For me, this dish evokes memories of bustling kitchens, laughter, and the rhythmic clanging of pots as family members worked together to create something delicious. Cajun food has a way of doing that—bringing people together. With its origins rooted in the Creole and Cajun traditions of Louisiana, this dish is inspired by the bold, no-nonsense flavors of the South. The marriage of smoky sausage, fragrant spices, and tender vegetables in a single pan is nothing short of genius. It’s a versatile, budget-friendly dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Let’s dive in and bring a taste of Cajun comfort to your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This one-pan recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice, while the beef sausage brings smoky richness to every bite.
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in one skillet, you’ll spend less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, green, or yellow)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound beef sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather and prep all your ingredients. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and celery, mince the garlic, and slice the sausage into rounds. Having everything ready makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Next, toss in the sliced beef sausage. Cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the sausage to brown slightly. This step is where those rich, smoky flavors start to build!
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Stir in the uncooked rice, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toasting the rice for 1–2 minutes helps it absorb the spices and creates a deeper flavor base.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Give everything a good stir, making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—letting the steam do its job is key!
Step 6: Fluff and Garnish
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve warm.

Helpful Tips
- Don’t Skip the Trinity: In Cajun cooking, the combination of onion, bell pepper, and celery (known as the “holy trinity”) is essential for building flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: A sturdy skillet helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the rice from sticking or burning.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Nut-Free

Notes
- If you prefer brown rice, increase the cooking time and liquid slightly to ensure it cooks through.
- Feel free to toss in other veggies, such as zucchini or mushrooms, for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the beef sausage for a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You can also add extra vegetables like diced mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty texture.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. Plan to simmer the dish for about 40–45 minutes if using brown rice.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

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Conclusion
There’s something truly magical about meals like this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet. They’re simple yet packed with flavor, filling but not heavy, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving it to your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. The bold Cajun spices combined with tender rice and smoky sausage create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
So grab your skillet, turn up the spice, and enjoy a taste of Louisiana right at home!
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Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet: A One-Pan Comfort Dish
Description
When it comes to hearty, flavorful meals that are both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet takes center stage. Imagine a dish that combines the bold spices of Cajun cuisine with tender rice, vibrant veggies, and savory beef sausage. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and spice, drawing everyone to the table like magic. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you crave comfort with a kick.
For me, this dish evokes memories of bustling kitchens, laughter, and the rhythmic clanging of pots as family members worked together to create something delicious. Cajun food has a way of doing that—bringing people together. With its origins rooted in the Creole and Cajun traditions of Louisiana, this dish is inspired by the bold, no-nonsense flavors of the South. The marriage of smoky sausage, fragrant spices, and tender vegetables in a single pan is nothing short of genius. It’s a versatile, budget-friendly dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Let’s dive in and bring a taste of Cajun comfort to your home!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, green, or yellow)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound beef sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather and prep all your ingredients. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and celery, mince the garlic, and slice the sausage into rounds. Having everything ready makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Next, toss in the sliced beef sausage. Cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the sausage to brown slightly. This step is where those rich, smoky flavors start to build!
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Stir in the uncooked rice, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toasting the rice for 1–2 minutes helps it absorb the spices and creates a deeper flavor base.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Give everything a good stir, making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—letting the steam do its job is key!
Step 6: Fluff and Garnish
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
- If you prefer brown rice, increase the cooking time and liquid slightly to ensure it cooks through.
- Feel free to toss in other veggies, such as zucchini or mushrooms, for added texture and flavor.