Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet comes together effortlessly, this Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine juicy, perfectly browned sausage mingling with sweet onions and vibrant bell peppers, all simmered alongside tangy diced tomatoes and fragrant oregano. Poured over fluffy rice, it’s a comforting and colorful meal that’s as hearty as it is satisfying. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser that’s full of personality, this recipe brings all the right ingredients and flavors together in one pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role. From the smoky sausage to the sweet crispness of bell peppers and the bright acidity of tomatoes, every component adds depth and balance, making the final dish a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
- 1 lb smoked or Italian sausage: Choose your favorite for either a smoky punch or a spicy kick that defines the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the ingredients perfectly, adding a touch of fruity richness.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and soft texture once cooked.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings a colorful sweetness and slight crunch to the mix.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the red pepper’s sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a fragrant depth that elevates all other flavors.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides juicy, tangy brightness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the dish with a warm herbaceous note that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and highlight every ingredient.
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice: The comforting base that soaks up all those amazing flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of green color.
How to Make Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced sausage. Cook the sausage until it’s beautifully browned on the edges, about 5 to 6 minutes. This browning not only locks in flavor but also adds a delightful caramelized texture. When done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside — your skillet will now be packed with flavorful sausage drippings that’ll infuse the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Bell Peppers
In the same skillet, toss in your sliced onions along with both the red and green bell peppers. Sauté these until they soften and start to gently caramelize, around 5 to 7 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and peppers, giving a lovely depth to the dish. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid burning the edges.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
Once the peppers and onions are tender, add the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute or until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn. Garlic is a small but mighty ingredient here — it transforms the aroma and gives that irresistible savory hint you’ll love.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, nestling it among the softened vegetables. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all their juice — this juicy addition brightens and slightly tangs the overall flavor. Sprinkle in the dried oregano along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the mixture cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken just enough to coat the sausage and veggies beautifully.
Step 5: Serve over Rice
When your sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes mixture is ready, serve it piping hot over a bed of cooked white or brown rice. The rice acts like a sponge, soaking up all those rich juices and aromas, making every bite comforting and full of flavor. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley elevates the dish with a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. You could also try a dash of grated Parmesan or a few thinly sliced green onions for extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a crusty loaf of bread also make excellent companions that help round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sausage and veggie mixture stuffed inside bell pepper halves or in warm tortillas for a delicious wrap. Alternatively, plating it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add delightful new dimensions to this beloved recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refrigerating helps the flavors deepen further, making your second serving just as good, if not better.
Freezing
This sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes over rice recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture looks dry, to maintain its juicy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap smoked or Italian sausage with chicken sausage, chorizo, or even a vegetarian sausage to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Is it better to use white or brown rice?
Both work well. White rice is softer and cooks quicker, creating a fluffy bed, while brown rice adds nuttiness and extra fiber with a chewier texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage doesn’t contain fillers with gluten. Just double-check ingredient labels to be safe.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn to boost the veggie content and add new textures.
How spicy is the dish?
The spice level depends largely on your sausage choice. Using spicy Italian sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes can introduce heat, but the base recipe is mild and very approachable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a warm plate of sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes over rice that feels like a hug on a fork. It’s simple, colorful, and perfectly balanced — a recipe that’s become a fast favorite in my kitchen and one I’m excited for you to try. It’s bound to bring smiles around your table and create happy mealtime memories to savor. Give it a go, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful skillet meal featuring sliced smoked or Italian sausage sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and garlic, simmered with diced tomatoes and herbs, served over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. This dish is quick to prepare, packed with savory and slightly tangy flavors, making it a perfect satisfying dinner for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Cook the sausage: Add sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and release their aroma.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring not to burn it.
- Combine ingredients: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the mixture: Allow everything to simmer together for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld and the tomato mixture thickens slightly.
- Serve: Spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture hot over cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with Italian sausage or any preferred sausage variety.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding garlic.
- Brown rice can be used for a healthier option; adjust cooking time for rice accordingly.
- This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a burst of freshness but is optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
