Spicy Southern Skillet Rice with Sausage and Beans

This Spicy Southern Skillet Rice is a hearty one-pan wonder, bursting with bold Cajun-inspired flavor from savory sausage, tender rice, and protein-packed beans. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers all the depth of traditional Southern cooking with minimal cleanup.

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🔥 Why You’ll Love This Dish

Just like classic Mardi Gras favorites, this dish is rich in flavor and soul-warming comfort. The smoky sausage and Cajun spices make it incredibly satisfying, and the one-skillet stovetop method makes it a go-to for fast, fuss-free meals.

Ready in just 35 minutes, this affordable, filling dinner will become a staple in your rotation. If you enjoy this dish, don’t miss out on our Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta!

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🛒 Ingredients

• Oil: Olive oil or your preferred cooking oil (like vegetable or avocado)
• Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium broth or substitute with vegetable stock
• Sausage: Smoked sausage, Kielbasa, or Andouille sausage
• Vegetables: Diced onion and canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• Seasonings: Minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and chopped parsley
• Beans: Kidney beans are classic, but pinto or black beans work well too
• Rice: Long grain rice such as Jasmine, Basmati, or white rice

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👨‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Sear the Sausage
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add your oil and sausage coins. Sauté until browned, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
   In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Return the sausage to the skillet.
3. Add Rice and Spices
   Stir in the uncooked rice and all your seasonings. Mix everything together to coat the rice in flavor.
4. Deglaze and Simmer
   Pour in the chicken stock and canned tomatoes (with juice). Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to release extra flavor.
5. Cook Covered
   Move the skillet to your smallest burner, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer gently until the rice is tender.
6. Finish with Beans
   Stir in the drained beans and heat through. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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💡 Tips for Success

• Using brown rice? Extend the cooking time accordingly.
• Like it hot? Add cayenne or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Be precise with rice-to-stock ratios for best texture.
• This dish pairs beautifully with greens and cornbread—but it’s also great all on its own.