Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Sausage Zucchini and Brown Rice Skillet (One Pan Recipe)
Smoky sausage and tender rice make this skillet a satisfying dinner, with zucchini and beans tucked through the savory grains. Cumin and chili powder give it a warm edge. A little cheese on top adds a soft finish if you like that extra layer.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total
- 22 min
- Original yield
- Serves 4
- Ingredients
- 18 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Main course
- Primary protein
- Turkey · Beans & lentils
- Cuisine
- American
- Cooking method
- One pan · One pot & sheet pan
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 30 minutes or less
- Dish type
- Rice dishes
A few quick notes
1. Make room for sausage
Push the softened vegetables aside before adding sausage to the empty part of the skillet to brown.
2. Gentle covered boil
Cover after bringing the rice mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat for a gentle cook.
3. Rest for tender rice
Remove from heat and let the rice rest after tossing so the grains can finish becoming tender.
Get to know the ingredients
Rice
Use instant brown rice for the brief cooking and resting sequence given for this skillet.
Beans
Drain and rinse the canned black beans before adding them after stirring the broth and seasonings.
Zucchini
Halve and slice the zucchini before its short saute with bell pepper and minced garlic.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
How to make it
0 of 3 steps completeMake room for Sausage Zucchini and Brown Rice Skillet (One Pan Recipe)
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Parsley and optional cheese
Toss parsley into the tender rice mixture and serve warm with cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend if desired.
A little more help as you go
Drain excess liquid if wanted
After the rice rests and becomes tender, drain off excess liquid if you prefer before serving.
Protect the vegetables
Move the vegetable side slightly away from burner heat while the sausage browns in the cleared space.
A few questions you might have
Is the cayenne required?
Cayenne is optional, adding heat alongside chili powder, cumin and thyme when the rice mixture is seasoned.
Can I use cheddar for the topping?
Yes, shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend are the optional cheese choices for serving.
When does the garlic cook?
Add it with the zucchini and bell pepper after the onion has had its first saute.
Does the sausage need a separate pan?
Brown it in the cleared side of the same skillet after pushing the vegetables aside.
How deep should the skillet be?
Use the specified deep skillet so the rice, vegetables, beans and broth fit under its lid.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: cookingclassy.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.
