Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This Sausage and Peppers with Rice recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that doesn't require any complicated techniques, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. This healthy meal is packed with protein and vegetables, and it’s surprisingly easy to customize to your taste! Get ready to enjoy a truly delightful and quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
-
Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
-
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. This delicious dish is perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sausage and Peppers:
- Spice it up: For extra heat, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots.
- Make it a one-pot meal: For even easier cleanup, use a Dutch oven or large pot instead of a skillet.
- Adjust the broth: If the rice seems too dry while cooking, add a little more broth. Conversely, if it's too wet, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
Variations:
- Chicken Sausage: Substitute Italian chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables for a fiery twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Sausage and Peppers with Rice recipe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a versatile dish that you can easily adapt to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!