Sausage Skillet Express
A hearty sausage skillet featuring smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and savory tomato rice, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2/3 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, undrained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 (.75 oz.) envelopes instant tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked instant rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sausage, celery, and green onions in a large skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring often, until vegetables are tender. Drain well.
- Add mushroom stems and pieces, water, salt, pepper, and chili powder; bring to a boil.
- Stir in the instant rice.
- Remove from heat.
- Cover and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy smoked sausage or adding bell peppers to the skillet. If you don't have instant rice, you can use regular rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Feel free to substitute the canned mushrooms with fresh ones for a different texture and taste. This dish can also be spiced up with a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish can be served with a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more filling meal, pair it with cornbread or crusty rolls. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top can enhance the flavors, making it a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with Easy Lemon Cream Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Skillet Express contains roughly 113 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1593mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute smoked sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly, so seasonings might need to be adjusted.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the skillet for extra heat. Additionally, serving the dish with hot sauce on the side allows everyone to adjust the spice level to their liking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and slice the sausage, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just combine and follow the instructions for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).