1. Brown the Sausage
Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add sliced sausage and cook 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, cook onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Rice & Seasonings
Pour in rice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Add chicken broth and BBQ sauce, then return sausage to the pan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Fluff rice with a fork, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, and garnish with parsley or green onions.
Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Sausage Rice
🔥 Extra smoky? Use chipotle BBQ sauce or add ½ tsp liquid smoke.
🍚 Rice too sticky? Rinse it before cooking for fluffier results.
🌶 Spicy kick? Add diced jalapeños with the bell peppers.
🧀 Cheesy twist? Sprinkle with cheddar in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes! Increase broth to 2½ cups and cook 40-45 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for 4 days—reheat with a splash of broth to refresh.
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sauté sausage/veggies first, then transfer everything to the rice cooker.
Serving Ideas
🥗 Light meal: Serve with a side salad
🌮 Tex-Mex twist: Top with avocado & lime wedges
🍞 Comfort food duo: Pair with cornbread
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is quick, flavorful, and foolproof—the kind of meal you’ll make on repeat!
Warning: You might need to double the batch… it disappears fast.
