Meet your new weeknight hero: One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice. This colorful and crave-worthy dish brings together juicy smoked sausage, fluffy rice, and a barbecue sauce that’s both zippy and rich—plus bright pops of fresh veggies and a cheesy finish if you’re feeling it. Everything cooks up in a single skillet (hooray for easy cleanup!), and the sweet-tangy BBQ flavors infuse every grain of rice. All in about half an hour! One bite, and it’s easy to see why this is a go-to in my kitchen.

One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is how each ingredient punches above its weight, delivering tons of flavor and textures for very little effort. Here’s your handy shopping list—with helpful tips to get fantastic results every time.

Olive oil: A slick of this starts things off right, helping to brown the sausage and coax flavors from the veggies.
Smoked sausage or kielbasa (1 pound): Sliced rounds add smoky, meaty depth—choose your favorite for a personal touch.
Onion (1 small, diced): Brings sweetness and a tender bite that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Red bell pepper (1, diced): Pops of vibrant color and a gentle, natural sweetness balance the BBQ sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must-have for its aromatic lift; fresh is best for big flavor.
Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Fluffy, separate grains handle all that zesty sauce without getting soggy.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Makes the rice extra savory—use low-sodium to control the salt.
Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup): The sweet and tangy heart of the dish—pick your favorite blend!
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Richens the sauce and adds a deep, umami backbone.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness rounds out the tang and smoke.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Enhances that BBQ aroma and gives a subtle smoky warmth.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for waking up all the flavors in the skillet.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough zip to add a peppery kick without overwhelming the dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Stir in at the end for creamy, gooey comfort (so good, but absolutely optional).
Green onions (2, sliced, for garnish): Scatter these over the top for a crisp, fresh finish and a pop of green.

How to Make One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced sausage and let it cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring just enough to get those caramelized edges. The browned bits at the bottom will build the foundation of flavor for your One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Stir in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic right into the pan with the sausage. Let everything hang out over the heat for about 3 more minutes, just until the onion looks translucent and the peppers start to soften. This not only amplifies the sweetness of the veggies but helps them soak up smoky sausage flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the cup of long-grain rice directly to the pan. Stir and let it toast for 1–2 minutes until it’s coated in all the deliciousness and starts to look a bit translucent around the edges. This quick toasting step gives your rice a nutty, hearty note later.

Step 4: Build the Sauce and Simmer

Time for the magic: pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a big stir, making sure to scrape up those savory browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 18–20 minutes—do not lift that lid! The rice will drink up all the flavors, turning your skillet into a BBQ-scented wonderland.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When the liquid has absorbed and the rice is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. If you’re feeling cheesiness, stir in the shredded cheddar now until just melted. Otherwise, simply fluff the rice with a fork. Finish your One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice by sprinkling green onions across the top, then serve it up piping hot.

How to Serve One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice

Garnishes

A flourish of sliced green onions is classic for a fresh crunch. You can also add chopped parsley for a herby lift, or a few jalapeño slices for those who like an extra zing with their One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice. If you enjoy creamy contrasts, a dollop of sour cream on each bowl does the trick.

Side Dishes

While this dish is a meal on its own, pairing it with a simple green salad or tangy coleslaw gives a lovely palate-cleansing crunch. Cornbread or warm dinner rolls are wonderful for sopping up any saucy bits left behind. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make bright, nutritious companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice into individual serving bowls for a cozy, casual feel. For a gathering, try scooping it into halved bell peppers and baking until lightly browned for a fun, edible bowl. Or spread the rice out in a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil briefly for an irresistible bubbly finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just transfer any extra One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice into an airtight container once it’s cooled to room temperature. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even tastier!

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this dish for later! Cool the rice completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months—ideal for bulk meal prep or those “I can’t be bothered to cook” evenings. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or water, cover, and warm until hot. Stir occasionally while reheating to avoid dry or unevenly heated rice.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can swap in long-grain brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the simmering time to about 40–45 minutes, and possibly add an extra 1/2 cup of broth to ensure everything cooks through and stays tender.

What kind of smoked sausage is best for this recipe?

Any good-quality smoked sausage or kielbasa will work wonders! Andouille brings a Cajun kick, spicy versions add heat, or choose a classic smoked pork or beef sausage for the richest, heartiest flavor in your One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice.

Can I make One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice vegetarian?

Absolutely—substitute your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. The BBQ sauce and seasonings still bring tons of flavor, making it deliciously satisfying even without the meat.

How do I make the dish spicier?

Fire lovers, rejoice—you can add a diced jalapeño along with the onions and peppers, toss in a pinch of cayenne, or simply choose a spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick that lets your One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice sizzle.

Is cheese a must, or can I skip it?

The cheddar is totally optional, so feel free to leave it out if you want a lighter or dairy-free version. The dish is plenty flavorful without it, but if you love gooey comfort, the cheese brings a creamy finish that’s hard to resist!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so deeply satisfying about a dinner that’s big on flavor, fuss-free, and guaranteed to get smiles at the table. I hope you’ll give One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice a try—whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving an easy, hearty skillet meal. Your taste buds (and whoever lucks into leftovers!) will definitely thank you.

One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make skillet meal that combines the smoky flavors of sausage with tangy barbecue sauce and tender rice. With a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional:

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced for garnish

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Instructions

Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook Sausage: Add sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
Add Vegetables: Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
Toast Rice: Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Add Liquid & Seasoning: Stir in chicken broth, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
Finish & Serve: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese (if using), garnish with green onions, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra spice, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
This dish can be made with leftover chicken or shrimp instead of sausage.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course, One-Pan Meal
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired