Smoked sausage and rice simmered together in one pot makes a quick, protein-packed family dinner. Budget-friendly and flavorful, this Southern weeknight staple comes together in under 30 minutes.
Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch rounds. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until vegetables begin to soften.
Add minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rice, then pour in chicken broth. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Simmer on low heat for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.