One-Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice Dinner
This one-pot Cajun sausage and rice dinner is a flavorful, hearty meal combining spicy sausage, bell peppers, onions, and rice in a rich, smoky tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting American-style dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main Ingredients
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Liquids
- Seasonings
- Garnish
Let’s make it
Main Preparation
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Sausage Preparation
Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Vegetables Preparation
In the same pot, add diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
Vegetables Preparation
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Seasoning
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
Main Preparation
Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat all grains with the spices and vegetable mixture.
Combining Ingredients
Return the browned sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
Cooking
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Resting
Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
Finishing
Fluff the rice with a fork and taste to adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if desired.
Serving
Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley if using.
Tips & notes
Use andouille or other smoked sausage for authentic Cajun flavor. For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the pot. Covering the pot tightly during simmering helps the rice cook evenly without drying out. Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
Saving it for later
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not leave at room temperature more than 2 hours.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice and stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave-safe dish covered with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
