This one-pan barbecue sausage rice dish is a perfect weeknight dinner—quick, satisfying, and packed with bold, smoky-sweet flavor. Juicy sausages are cooked with tangy BBQ sauce, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice—all in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s comfort food with a flavorful twist and minimal fuss.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid (12-inch recommended)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
📝 Ingredients
- 14 oz (400g) smoked sausage (kielbasa, andouille, or beef/pork sausage), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite sweet & tangy variety)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for depth)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
🔍 Ingredient Notes
- Sausage: Use pre-cooked smoked sausage for ease. Chicken sausage works too.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best. If using brown rice, adjust liquid and cook time.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a sweet and tangy style. For spicy, use a chipotle or hickory version.
- Vegetables: Add corn, peas, or diced tomatoes for variety.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté Sausage & Veggies
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–5 minutes until browned.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add Rice and Liquids
- Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, BBQ sauce, tomato paste, and soy sauce.
- Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Simmer
- Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
- Check occasionally. When rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, remove from heat.
4. Rest and Fluff
- Let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
- Optional: Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce or sprinkle with shredded cheese.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings)
⚠️ Values may vary depending on sausage type and BBQ sauce.
- Calories: ~450–500
- Protein: ~20g
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbs: ~45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10–12g
- Sodium: 850–1000mg
💡 Tips
- Toast the rice before adding liquid for a nutty flavor and better texture.
- Don’t stir too much while simmering or rice may get mushy.
- If liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash of broth or water.
- Want crispy bits? Uncover the pan in the last few minutes to let the bottom crisp up.
🔁 Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use spicy sausage.
- Cheesy BBQ Rice: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar at the end for a cheesy twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, corn, black beans, or zucchini.
- Tropical Version: Add pineapple chunks and a splash of lime juice.
- Brown Rice Version: Use 1.5 cups broth per 1 cup rice, and simmer ~40–45 minutes.
