If you’re craving the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy hug after a long day, Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes Over Rice is calling your name! This vibrant, flavorful dish delivers sweet bell peppers, savory sausage, juicy tomatoes, and tender onions over a cloud of fluffy rice. It’s a family favorite at my house for good reason: one skillet, big flavors, and ingredients you probably already have on hand. With a simple technique and room for endless swaps or add-ins, it’s about to become your new weeknight hero.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here, but each ingredient in Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes Over Rice is vital for perfect flavor and texture. This is all about bringing out the most from every item, from the juicy sausage to the sweet veggies and cozy rice. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Turkey sausage: Mild or spicy, turkey sausage keeps things lighter; feel free to use chicken, pork, beef, or a plant-based sausage if you’d like.
Green bell pepper: Adds signature pepper flavor and a pop of green color; slice it into strips for the perfect bite.
Yellow bell pepper: This is optional, but the hint of extra sweetness and vibrant yellow hue brings a cheerful look.
Yellow onion: Sliced onions create a savory backbone and soften into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes (or diced fresh tomato) give the dish a saucy, juicy lift.
Olive oil or butter: Your base for sautéing, lending richness and helping all those flavors meld together.
Garlic powder: Infuses that classic, aromatic garlic flavor with zero fuss.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little bite and balancing the sweetness of the veggies.
Salt: Season to taste! Every bite will sing when seasoned just right.
Cajun seasoning (optional): For those who love a hint of heat, this adds a fun, spicy Southern flair.
Cooked white rice: The fluffy bed for all those zesty veggies and sausage. Use brown or cauliflower rice for a twist.

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

Step 1: Heat the Pan

Start things off by grabbing your largest skillet and setting it over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil or add the butter, swirling it so the entire bottom gets a glossy coat. Wait until you see it shimmer—that’s your signal the pan is ready and you’re moments away from those crave-worthy crispy edges on your sausage.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey Sausage

Slice your sausage into neat rounds and arrange them in a single layer in the hot skillet. Don’t disturb them for 4 to 5 minutes per side; this patience pays off with gorgeous caramelization and that signature savory flavor. Once they’re perfectly browned, transfer them to a plate. Crucially, keep all those flavorful browned bits in the pan—they’re the magic foundation for the next step!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Without wiping out your pan, add the sliced onions and colorful bell peppers. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. This draws out their natural sweetness while keeping a pleasant bit of bite. Toss in your cherry tomatoes (or diced tomato) and let them blister and give up their juice for 2 to 3 minutes. That little burst of acidity and freshness balances the sausage beautifully.

Step 4: Season and Combine

Return the browned sausage and all its juices to the skillet. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Cajun seasoning if using. Stir well, letting every piece get beautifully coated. Let it all simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors truly mingle and the tomatoes thicken into a light, savory sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Pile up a bed of hot, fluffy white rice in each bowl, then spoon over generous helpings of your savory sausage and veggie medley. Serve it right away, when every bite is at its peak—and get ready to watch your diners clean their plates in record time!

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

Garnishes

Brighten up your Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes Over Rice with a handful of freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or even a scattering of fresh basil for a fragrant finish. If you like things cheesy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or mozzarella melted right as you serve adds a sumptuous touch. Don’t forget a few turns of black pepper or a dash of crushed red pepper for a little extra personality!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad (maybe with a zippy lemon vinaigrette) helps balance the rich flavors. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any flavorful sauce left behind. Or go Mediterranean with a simple cucumber-tomato salad for a pop of freshness alongside your Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes Over Rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your sausage, onion, bell peppers & tomatoes mixture in hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a show-stopping edible bowl. Or pile the savory mixture into a wrap or quesadilla for a next-day twist. Even spooning leftovers over a baked potato or mixing them into a breakfast omelet is absolutely delicious—no one will ever complain about leftovers again!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes Over Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunchtime even more satisfying. Keep the rice and the sausage-veggie mixture separate for the best texture, combining just before reheating.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer superstar! Freeze the sausage and veggie mixture (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Rice can get a little mushy when frozen, so it’s best to make a fresh batch or use frozen, pre-cooked rice for fastest results after thawing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the sausage and veggies gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to bring back the saucy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring often. If you froze the meal, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Spoon it all over fresh, hot rice for a meal that tastes every bit as good as day one.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes Over Rice is super-flexible. Try chicken, pork, beef, spicy sausage, or your favorite plant-based alternative. Each brings a unique flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

What rice is best for this dish?

Classic white rice keeps things soft and comfortingly neutral, but brown rice adds a nutty undertone and fiber. Jasmine rice brings a touch of aroma, while cauliflower rice delivers a low-carb option—honestly, you can’t go wrong!

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in the fridge in airtight containers for up to three days. For reheating, use the microwave or a skillet set over low heat (add a splash of water to bring everything back to life). Keep rice and toppings separate if you want your rice to stay fluffy.

Can I freeze this meal?

Yes! The sausage and veggies freeze beautifully, making Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes Over Rice an ideal meal-prep candidate. Just freeze without the rice, then add a fresh or pre-cooked rice base when serving.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s only spicy if you want it to be! The Cajun seasoning brings a gentle heat, but you can skip it or use a mild sausage for a kid-friendly version. Or, turn up the heat to your heart’s content with extra Cajun spice or red pepper flakes.

Final Thoughts

Give Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes Over Rice a spin in your kitchen—I promise it won’t disappoint! Bursting with color, flavor, and heartwarming comfort, this easy skillet supper will soon earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Here’s to tasty, simple meals that never fail to satisfy!

Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes Over Rice Recipe