Sausage Peppers and Rice Skillet

If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal to serve your family, this Sausage, Peppers, and Rice Skillet is all you need.

This post has been updated from its original October 23, 2018 publishing with new photography, content, and varied cooking methods.

Whether cooking at home or outdoors on a campfire, this is a meal that will please your hungriest of eaters.

We’ve been making this recipe for years now. I have two versions: using wild rice blend when at home and using packaged Rice-a-Roni wild rice blend while camping.

Each version does come out a bit differently than the other since rice blends vary by package and brand, but one thing is for sure, they’re both delicious every time.

How to make Sausage, Peppers, and Rice Skillet

As I mentioned, there’s two ways I make this hearty and savory dish. But there are subtle differences in how both are prepared.

Before you begin, read through the recipe card in its entirety. I have provided directions for making this in the traditional camp oven over coals or indoors using your trusty cast iron skillet. You could use your Dutch oven indoors as well.

The directions for using wild rice blend instead of Rice-a-Roni will be noted at the end as the cooking method is slightly different.

Recipe prep for Sausage, Peppers, and Rice

Outdoor Camp Oven 

1. Heat coals in a charcoal chimney.
2. Once hot, place 12 coals on bottom (camp table, fire pit, etc).
3. Nestle camp oven on top of the coals.
4. Recipe construction (see below).

To cook this Sausage Peppers and Rice Skillet, you will need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or your favorite cooking oil.
• 3 bell peppers diced. We used red, green, and yellow.
• A medium yellow onion diced to equal 1 cup. A white onion can be used as well.
• 3 gloves freshly minced garlic. 1 tablespoon of granulated garlic can be substituted.
• 6-8 smoked ITALIAN sausages, coin-sliced. These are different than regular smoked sausages. We’ve used seasoned and mozzarella blend; all are delicious.
• 2 -4.3 ounce packages of Rice-a-Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice. DO NOT USE THE SEASONING PACKETS. (If omitting in favor of wild rice blend, you’ll need 2 cups.)
• 3 cups of low-sodium beef broth. (32 ounces if using wild rice blend.)
• 1/4 teaspoon of both salt and pepper, but as always, season to taste.
• 3-5 green onions; sliced for garnish. These are optional.

Preheat the cast iron

• The camp oven should be heated over coals while ingredient prep is being done and ready to go.
• Heat the skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stovetop.

Cooking the Sausage Peppers and Rice recipe:

Outdoor Camp Oven 

1. Cover with the camp oven lid.
2. Place heated coals over the entire lid.
3. Using a lid-lifter, stir occasionally and then replace the lid with coals.
4. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice has absorbed the majority of the liquid and is cooked.
5. When done, remove from coals, stir well, and serve immediately garnishing with the green onions if using them.

Stovetop directions in a skillet or Dutch oven

1. Cook uncovered over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until most of the liquid has been absorbed; about 5 minutes.
2. Once the majority of liquid has been absorbed, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is done, stirring occasionally. 
3. Once done, remove from heat, stir well, and serve immediately garnishing with the green onions if using them.

Cooking Method Using Wild Rice Blend

Using wild rice blend takes additional liquid and cooking time, therefore we have found switching how to make this dish is provides better results and deeper flavor.

• Follow the above cooking steps 1-3.
• Transfer the meat and vegetables from the cast iron to a bowl and cover; set aside.
• Return the cast iron to the heat, either the coals or stovetop.
• If needed, add an additional 1/2 tablespoon of cooking oil.
• Add the rice and brown for 2 minutes over high heat.
• Pour in 16 ounces of the low-sodium beef broth to start, adding up to the full 32 ounces if needed. (Rice blends vary between long grain white rice and wild rices; this will determine how much liquid is needed.)
• Bring the rice to a boil, adding more liquid if it absorbs quickly. Boil on high for 5-8 minutes.
• Reduce heat to medium-high and allow to simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally; watching the liquid.
• Once the rice is nearly done, stir the meat and vegetables back in, thoroughly mixing it all together and allow the rice to finish cooking, 5-10 more minutes; stirring occasionally.
• Once done, remove from heat, stir well, and serve immediately garnishing with the green onions if using them.

Easy and Delicious One Pot Rice Meals

You can never go wrong have several one pot rice meals like this Sausage Peppers and Rice Skillet in your dinner repertoire. Some recipes use already cooked or leftover rice, because who ever makes the right amount of rice?

• Curried Chicken and Rice
• Chicken and Chinese Sausage Fried Rice from The Complete Savorist
• Slow Cooker Basil Chicken and Rice from The Magical Slow Cooker
• One Pot Winter Vegetables Chicken and Rice from Family Fresh Meals
• Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
• Creamy White Wine Chicken & Rice from The Complete Savorist
• Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole from The Magical Slow Cooker
• One Pot Italian Chicken Rice from Family Fresh Meals