One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice

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This dish is everything comfort food should be—rich, savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is a crowd-pleaser that pairs smoky seared sausage bites with fluffy, flavorful rice infused with bold barbecue sauce. The caramelized glaze that forms from the BBQ sauce clings beautifully to the crispy sausage edges, creating bite after bite of deep umami and sweet tang.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. Just one pan is all you need to cook up a hearty, homestyle meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or casual entertaining, this dish balances convenience with comfort. You’ll be amazed at how a few ingredients can turn into something this rich in flavor.

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Ingredients for One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice

• 1 lb smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced into coins
• 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer and sear until both sides are deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. This browning adds tons of flavor to the dish. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving the oil and sausage drippings in the pan.

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Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the rice grains in the oil and aromatics. Let it toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the edges of the rice start to look slightly golden. This step builds a nutty base flavor into the rice.

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Step 4: Add Liquids and BBQ Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce (if using). Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

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Step 5: Simmer with Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the pan and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let everything simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir once halfway through cooking to ensure even texture.

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Step 6: Rest and Fluff

Once the rice is fully cooked, turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes. Then uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot straight from the pan.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftovers, let the One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice and keep it from drying out. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

Note: Nutrition values can vary based on the type of sausage and barbecue sauce used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage like kielbasa, andouille, or beef sausage works beautifully. Choose one with a firm texture and bold flavor.

Can I use instant rice instead?

You can, but adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time accordingly. The texture may vary, and the dish might be less flavorful than when using long-grain rice.

How spicy is this dish?

That depends on the sausage and BBQ sauce you choose. For more heat, use spicy sausage and a hot barbecue sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, peas, or corn are great additions. Add them when you sauté the onions or during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free sausage, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce or tamari.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Choose a BBQ sauce with a good balance of sweet and tangy. Hickory or brown sugar-based sauces pair particularly well with smoked sausage.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats well and can be made a day ahead. Just store and reheat as described above.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Use a larger skillet or pot to ensure even cooking and double all ingredients proportionally.

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