Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner you dream about after a long day—vivid colors, smoky sausage, and juicy tomatoes all coming together in a cozy skillet, then spooned generously over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s one of those dishes that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, and it’s equally at home as a weeknight rescue or a weekend favorite—the rich, savory bite of sausage mingled with sweet caramelized onions and peppers will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, with accessible ingredients that pack a punch! Each one offers something special—whether it’s depth, brightness, or a pop of color—and together, they make Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice seriously irresistible.

Olive Oil: Helps with caramelization and infuses a gentle, fruity richness to the dish.
Smoked or Italian Sausage: The star of the show; go for your favorite style, and enjoy that delicious snap when you bite in.
Yellow Onion: Sliced for sweetness and balance, becoming soft and flavorful as it cooks.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and a natural sweetness to the skillet.
Green Bell Pepper: Offers a subtle bitterness that complements the sweetness of red pepper.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bring loads of aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
Canned Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Make the sauce saucy; the juices help tie everything together.
Italian Seasoning: Lends an herby, Mediterranean flair that lifts those savory flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch brings gentle heat; add more if you’re feeling bold.
Salt and Pepper: As always, your best friends for perfectly balanced taste.
Cooked White or Brown Rice: Fluffy and absorbent, ready to soak up every savory drop.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a burst of color and a hint of freshness when serving.

How to Make Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice

Step 1: Sear the Sausage

Heat up that skillet and swirl in your olive oil. Add the sliced sausage and cook until both sides are beautifully browned—about 5 to 7 minutes. This little step ensures you get those caramelized edges and rich, meaty flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want each slice to get golden. Once done, scoop the sausage onto a plate and set aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Peppers

In the very same skillet (no need to wipe it out!), toss in the onions and both bell peppers. Let them sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened and start taking on a bit of color. The leftover sausage bits in the pan add tons of flavor here. Once the veggies are tender, stir in the garlic and cook for just 30 more seconds—enough to bloom its fragrance but not burn it.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Seasonings

Slide the browned sausage back into the skillet. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, including all their juices—this will help build that craveable sauce. Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat, and don’t forget a little salt and pepper. Stir well, reduce the heat, and let everything simmer together for 10 to 12 minutes. The flavors will mingle, and the sauce will thicken just enough to coat every bite.

Step 4: Serve Over Rice

Spoon your steaming hot sausage and veggie mixture generously over bowls of fluffy cooked rice. If you want to take things up a notch, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. That final hit of green looks gorgeous and adds a lovely herbal freshness to Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice.

How to Serve Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley really wakes up this dish, both visually and in flavor—it’s like a little pop of spring on each plate. You could also shave a bit of Parmesan cheese over the top if you’re feeling indulgent or toss on a pinch of extra red pepper flakes for those who love some fire.

Side Dishes

Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice is satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad, some garlic bread, or even roasted zucchini round out the meal beautifully. For a Southern twist, serve it with a side of buttery cornbread!

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your serving game by loading the sausage and veggie mixture into hollowed-out bell pepper halves and baking until tender—perfect for parties! Or, try layering everything into a casserole dish with cheese for an ultra-comforting bake. No matter how you serve it, the combination of sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes over rice always shines.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some leftovers? Lucky you! Just transfer the cooled sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes mixture to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll happily keep for up to 4 days. Store the rice separately to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream. Pack the sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes mixture (without rice) into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Cook a fresh batch of rice for the best experience.

Reheating

Reheat the sausage-veggie mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. Add a splash of water or tomato juice if it looks a bit thick. Rice heats up quickly; you can microwave it with a damp paper towel draped across to keep it fluffy and moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice tastes great with any cooked sausage—try turkey sausage for a lighter option or andouille if you love a smoky, spicy kick.

Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?

Yes, you’ll want your rice cooked and ready to go before you start the sausage and veggies, so everything can be assembled just before serving and nothing gets cold.

Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use a certified gluten-free sausage and double-check your spices, Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice is a fantastic gluten-free main course.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is easy to control; the dish is mild as written, but a pinch or two of red pepper flakes can really turn up the heat if you like things spicy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a go-to meal that’s hearty, colorful, and bursting with flavor, you simply have to try Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice. It’s a feel-good dinner that never disappoints—and just wait till those aromas start drifting through your kitchen!

Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

This Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines savory sausage with sweet bell peppers and tangy tomatoes, served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into rounds
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups cooked white or brown rice
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return the sausage to the pan. Add diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and sauce to slightly thicken.
Serve the sausage and vegetable mixture hot over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.