Delicious Dirty Rice with Sausage Recipe for a Hearty Southern Meal

If you’re craving bold flavors and a taste of Southern comfort, dirty rice with sausage is the dish you’ve been missing. Packed with spices, savory sausage, and hearty rice, this one-pot wonder delivers a satisfying bite in every forkful. Keep reading to discover how to bring this Cajun classic to your table tonight!

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked or andouille sausage sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 2 ribs celery diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 and a half cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 half teaspoon paprika
• 1 quarter teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions sliced
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Lid for pan

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced sausage. Let it brown for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want those caramelized edges for maximum flavor. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
2. Saute the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. This trio is the backbone of Southern cooking and gives the dish its savory foundation. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until everything starts to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
3. Toast the rice: Stir in the dry rice so it mixes well with the vegetables. Let it toast gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step adds nuttiness and helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy later on.
4. Add liquid and seasonings: Return the sausage to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything together and taste the broth to check the seasoning — you can add a little salt here if needed.
5. Simmer gently: Bring the skillet to a low boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes. Try not to uncover while it cooks — this helps the rice steam evenly.
6. Let it rest and garnish: Remove from heat and keep the lid on for another 5 minutes. This final steam lets the rice finish cooking and fluff up beautifully. Uncover, fluff with a fork, and stir in your sliced green onions. Taste one more time and adjust salt if needed.

Nutrition per serving

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

We hope you enjoyed this article about dirty rice with sausage! If you did, let us know in the comments — we love hearing from you. And if it’s not too much trouble, please pin this article or any photo you liked from it on Pinterest and give our pin a like. It really helps more people discover our recipes and inspires us to keep creating delicious content!

Dirty Rice with Sausage

Dirty rice with sausage is a beloved Southern classic that brings the soul of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. With spicy sausage, tender vegetables, and fluffy rice all mingling in fragrant Cajun spices, this dish delivers layer upon layer of savory depth. Hearty, rustic, and comforting, it's a one-pan wonder perfect as a main or side.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Southern, Cajun, Louisiana

Servings 6 servings

Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound smoked or andouille sausage sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 2 ribs celery diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions sliced
• Salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the rice and toast it in the vegetable mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
• Return the sausage to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Add the Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with sliced green onions, and season with salt to taste before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 14gFat: 23gSodium: 780mgFiber: 2g

Keyword dirty rice, sausage, Southern, Cajun, comfort food, one pot, Louisiana

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!