Crockpot Sausage And Rice Recipe
Craving a warm, cozy, and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Say hello to Crockpot Sausage and Rice – the dish that’s about to become your go-to comfort food.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker / Crockpot – The star of the show. A 6-quart size works great
- Cutting board and knife – For prepping sausage and veggies
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredients
- Optional skillet – If you choose to brown the sausage first
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice (do not use instant rice)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for heat lovers)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sausage and Veggies
- Slice your smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds.
- Dice the onion and bell pepper.
- Mince the garlic.
- Optional but recommended: Sauté the sausage in a skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes until it’s slightly browned. This adds depth and flavor!
Step 2: Add Everything to the Crockpot
- In your crockpot, add the sausage, onion, bell pepper, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, and seasonings.
- Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Note: If you’re adding frozen peas or corn, wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to stir them in.
Step 3: Let It Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2½–3 hours.
- Check after 2½ hours if cooking on high. Cooking times may vary based on your crockpot.
- Make sure the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 4: Stir, Taste, and Serve
- Give everything a good stir. Add more broth if you want a saucier consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.
- And just like that, dinner is served!
Notes
- Brown the sausage first – Adds a rich, smoky flavor.
- Use the right rice – Long grain white rice works best. Avoid quick-cooking rice as it turns mushy.
- Don’t lift the lid too much – Let the slow cooker do its job.
- Add greens at the end – Stir in baby spinach or peas during the last 30 minutes.
- Make it cheesy – Stir in shredded cheddar for a creamy, melty twist.
- Spice it up – Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use spicy sausage for extra heat.