Turkey Smoked Sausage Rice Skillet
A flavorful and hearty rice skillet featuring smoky turkey sausage, fresh vegetables, and savory spices, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the sausage into serving size pieces and set aside.
- Saute mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini in margarine in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
- Add stewed tomatoes with juice, water, basil, thyme, and sausage to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the uncooked instant rice into the liquid, cover, and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 5 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider adding minced garlic or onion while sautéing the vegetables. If you prefer a different protein, chicken or even vegetarian sausage can work well as substitutes for turkey smoked sausage. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried basil for a more vibrant taste. Adjust the cooking time if using longer-grain rice or adding extra veggies to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkey Smoked Sausage Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for extra nutrition. It pairs beautifully with Out Of This World Chocolate Pie for dessert, creating a delightful dinner experience. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the skillet and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This will help prevent the rice from drying out and maintain the dish's original flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Smoked Sausage Rice Skillet contains roughly 484 calories, with 13g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1050mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for instant rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and increase the water amount. Brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes to cook, so consider cooking it separately and adding it to the skillet at the end.
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can customize the skillet by adding bell peppers, spinach, or green beans based on your preferences. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so all vegetables are tender. Experimenting with seasonal vegetables can enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Turkey Smoked Sausage Rice Skillet can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary.
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).