One Pan Sweet And Tangy Bbq Sausage Rice

Love sweet and tangy BBQ flavor? This one pan sausage rice is quick, cozy, and so yummy!

You get smoky sausage, fluffy rice, and a sticky-sweet BBQ sauce all cooked in one pan. Every bite is bold and comforting.

Perfect for busy nights, easy lunches, or when you want big flavor fast. One pan. Zero mess.

Grab your skillet and BBQ sauce—let’s make this sweet and tangy rice dish today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet & Smoky: BBQ sauce adds tang and depth, while smoked paprika brings in that backyard-grill taste—even without the grill.
• One Pan Wonder: Less mess and fewer dishes. It all comes together in a single skillet.
• Weeknight Friendly: From prep to plate in under an hour—perfect for busy nights.
• Satisfying & Balanced: Protein, veggies, and grains in one bite.
• Customizable: Swap the sausage, rice, or veggies to match what you’ve got on hand.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes

Servings: Serves 4 to 6 people as a main dish.

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. No special skills needed—just basic sautéing and simmering.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Medium bowl for mixing (optional)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this sweet and smoky sausage rice dish together:

• 1 lb sausage (Italian sausage or smoked sausage), sliced into rounds
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make One Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Sauté the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Spices and Rice

Sprinkle in smoked paprika and black pepper. Stir well. Add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, mixing with the vegetables to coat the grains with flavor.

4. Add Liquid and BBQ Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and BBQ sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.

5. Return the Sausage

Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine.

6. Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20–22 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

7. Rest and Fluff

Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork.

How to Serve One Pan BBQ Sausage Rice

• Simple Dinner Plate: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
• Add a Side Salad: Pairs well with a crisp green salad or coleslaw.
• With Bread: A slice of cornbread or garlic toast makes a comforting add-on.

Storing BBQ Sausage Rice

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Variations for BBQ Sausage Rice

• Use Different Sausage: Try turkey sausage, kielbasa, or plant-based sausage for a twist.
• Switch the Grain: Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa (adjust liquid and cook time).
• Add Veggies: Stir in corn, black beans, or chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes.
• Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Brown the Sausage Well: It builds depth of flavor that carries through the whole dish.
• Simmer Gently: A low, steady simmer helps the rice cook evenly without sticking or burning.
• Don’t Stir While Simmering: Let the rice steam undisturbed to avoid mushiness.
• Use a Lid That Fits: A tight lid keeps moisture in and helps the rice absorb all the flavor.
• Taste Before Salting: BBQ sauce and sausage can be salty—add salt last if needed.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 of 6)
Calories	~390
Protein	~16g
Carbohydrates	~38g
Fat	~20g
Saturated Fat	~6g
Sodium	~790mg
Fiber	~2g
Sugar	~9g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on sausage type and BBQ sauce used.

BBQ Sausage Rice FAQs

Can I use instant rice?
You can, but reduce the broth and cooking time. Add pre-cooked sausage and let it simmer briefly.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
A balanced sauce that’s tangy and slightly sweet works well. Avoid sauces that are overly smoky or vinegary unless that’s your preference.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. This dish reheats well. It can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Can I use a rice cooker?
You could transfer everything to a rice cooker after browning sausage and veggies—but it’s best done stovetop for flavor layering.

Conclusion

One Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is a satisfying, flavorful meal built from simple ingredients. With its balance of sweet BBQ sauce, smoky sausage, and tender rice, it’s a go-to dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Easy cleanup, full flavor—everything you want in a one-pan wonder.