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–+ servings
A cast iron skillet with cajun sausage and rice and a fork.
5 from 1 vote

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

This quick and easy Cajun sausage and rice skillet is the perfect weeknight meal! Made in just one pan and packed with flavor, the whole family will be asking for more.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Keyword: cajun sausage and rice skillet, easy recipe, one dish recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 548kcal
Author: Laura Ascher

Equipment

  • 12-inch cast iron skillet with a lid

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork sausage*
  • ½ yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper de-seeded and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth plus 2 tbsp**
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 green onions sliced
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat a deep 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until no pink remains.
  • Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until it just starts to soften, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the rice and stir to coat. Toast for 1 minute.
  • Pour in the broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a low boil and give it one more stir before covering. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Top with the green onions and serve hot.

Notes

  • Do not lift the lid during the 18 minutes. 
  • *This recipe is for unseasoned ground pork sausage. If you use breakfast sausage or mild or hot Italian sausage, I suggest not using any of the seasonings in this recipe. Then, simply taste test once it's done and add salt or pepper if needed. 
  • Let it rest the full 10 minutes off the heat to finish the rice.
  • **I found that the rice needs about an additional 2 tablespoons of broth to fully cook through, which is why the ingredients call for 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons.
  • Jasmine rice will also work. Don't substitute brown rice or instant rice.