One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, tangy, and just a little smoky. That’s exactly what you get with this One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice. It’s a satisfying meal that packs bold flavors into every bite, blending juicy, caramelized sausage with perfectly seasoned rice. The BBQ sauce ties it all together with its signature zest, and the best part? It all comes together in a single pan for easy prep and cleanup.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual family meals, this dish is quick to prepare and delivers a taste that feels like it’s been slow-cooked for hours. The sausages get a beautiful sear that locks in their richness, while the rice soaks up all the smoky-sweet sauce, ensuring no bite is bland. Whether you serve it solo or alongside a fresh salad or roasted veggies, this hearty recipe is bound to become a regular in your rotation.

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Ingredients for One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley

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Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice

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Step 1: Sear the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Let them sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until they are browned and slightly crispy on the edges. This adds a deep flavor to the dish. Once browned, remove the sausage and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan (don’t clean it—those flavorful bits add depth), add the chopped onion. Cook for about 2 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 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 constantly for about 1–2 minutes to toast the grains slightly. This enhances the texture and gives the rice a nuttier flavor.

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Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar (if using). Stir well to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add smoked paprika, and season with a little salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

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Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Return the browned sausage to the pan, stirring it into the rice mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

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Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for 5 more minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

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Storage Instructions

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To keep your One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice fresh and flavorful, follow these simple storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled rice in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Flatten the bag for quicker thawing.
• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice. For larger portions, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding liquid as needed to prevent drying out.

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Estimated Nutrition

Approximate per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 950mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the brand of sausage and BBQ sauce used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What kind of sausage works best for this dish?

Smoked sausage or kielbasa works best because it has bold flavor and holds its shape when cooked.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add hot sauce or a spicy BBQ sauce if you want to bring the heat.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, peas, or corn mix in well. Add them when sautéing the onion or stir in at the end.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the sausage with a plant-based version and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What BBQ sauce is recommended?

Use your favorite! Smoky, sweet, or tangy varieties all work well depending on your taste preference.

Why toast the rice before adding liquid?

Toasting rice enhances its flavor and helps it stay separate during cooking instead of becoming mushy.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Use a larger pan and make sure to keep the liquid-to-rice ratio consistent.

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