This pork sausage and rice skillet dinner is a one-pan dinner that is easy to make, delicious, and a breeze to clean up afterward. In fact, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, even when you’re exhausted and limited on time.

I used my enamel coated iron casserole that is sort of a mini Dutch oven. But you can use any iron skillet, “Always” pan, or frying pan with a lid if that’s what you have. The results will be amazing, regardless of what pan you use.

This is one of my favorite pork sausage recipes because this meal is made in one pan. It’s not necessary to make anything else, unless you want bread or a salad. It’s also a budget-friendly meal and makes great leftovers. I typically make enough to have for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to make this delicious and nutritious one-pan meal. I like the fact that I typically have most of these ingredients in my pantry.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 pound ground pork sausage
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium sliced zucchini (optional)

I like to add the zucchini for additional nutrition. However, if I’m serving a side salad, I sometimes leave it out. Other delicious veggies you can add are green beans, broccoli, spinach, kale, or Brussels sprouts. You’ve probably noticed that all of the vegetables I recommended are green. That’s intentional. Green is opposite red on the color wheel, so it’s a very colorful dish. I love lots of color on the plate.

If you want to print this recipe, go to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.

How to Make Pork Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner

First, pour the oil into your skillet and heat on medium-high. Add the pork sausage and chopped onion. 

Cook until the sausage is done and the onion is translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic until all of the ingredients are well mixed. Then, add the tomatoes, zucchini (optional), rice, and water. Stir again.

Finally, put a lid on the pan, turn the heat down to low, and let it cook until the rice is tender. This should take about 20 minutes.

Serve hot. If you’re super hungry, serve this delicious dinner with some homemade southern-style cornbread.

Ingredient Variations

You can also add more spice if you want. Here are some seasonings you might enjoy:

• Cinnamon
• Jalapeños
• Cajun seasoning
• Italian seasoning

The key is to make it the way you know your family will enjoy it. If you’re not sure about something, test it on a small amount of the dish. That way, you’ll know for sure.

Versatility of Pork

Pork is one of the most versatile forms of protein you can eat. We like to broil it, fry it, bake it, and cook it in any of our “makers,” such as our slow cooker, Instant Pot, and air fryer. It also makes an excellent main ingredient in a Dutch Oven or other specialty pot or pan. I love the fact that there are so many ways to cook pork. You can also add whatever seasonings you like to get the flavor you enjoy.

For example, we love these flavor-packed creamy ranch pork chops that give us something to look forward to at the end of a long day. We also enjoy this yummy slow cooker pork tenderloin that’s super easy to make in the Crock Pot. Just put the ingredients into the pot, turn it on, and come back a few hours later to an amazing main dish.

If you’re looking for something different but nutritious and delicious, try this cheesy zucchini ham bake. Serve it over rice, with potatoes, or all by itself. These easy Crock Pot pork chops are absolutely delicious! They only require 3 ingredients, and you can cook them in your slow cooker.

For those who like shredded meat for tacos, enchiladas, or any other recipe, try these pork carnitas. Make enough to freeze for a meal next week! Pork is an excellent meat you can enjoy year-round. Whether you’re making a comfort meal in your slow cooker or barbecuing it at a backyard party, you can count on it satisfying everyone’s hunger with deliciousness in every bite.

A reader mentioned in the comments that she used a can of Rotel. I think that’s an excellent idea if the people you’re serving enjoy a little extra spice.

How to Make the Best Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner

If you want to improve the flavor of this easy meal, there’s nothing wrong with experimenting. Your family may love certain spices, so feel free to add them.

Here are some tips for personalizing your sausage and rice skillet dinner:

• Use your favorite brand of sausage. This is the star of the meal, so let it shine.
• Saute the onions before adding them to the skillet for more depth of flavor.
• Add more vegetables for flavor, texture, color, and nutrition.
• Zest a lemon over the finished dinner. This levels up the flavor quite a bit.
• Cheese lovers will enjoy crumbled feta or grated parmesan. You can sprinkle it over the whole skillet dinner or offer bowls of cheese at the table.

What Sides Go with Pork?

You can serve most cuts of pork with a wide variety of side dishes. At our house, we like seasoned, air-fried pork chops with these yummy Tex Mex ranch potatoes. Serve rice or potatoes with this delicious shredded marmalade pork tenderloin, and watch everyone ask for seconds … or thirds.

If you want to keep the meal low-carb, serve ham steak or pork chops with these yummy roasted Brussels sprouts. And of course, pork is delicious with a side of these honey roasted sweet potatoes. Or follow this grilled zucchini recipe from No Plate Like Home. You’ll satisfy everyone’s appetite and know you’ve accomplished your goal of giving your family a healthy meal that they enjoy.

These crispy zucchini parmesan chips are absolutely amazing! They add a lot of texture to any meal, and they go especially well with pork. Add a ton of delicious nutrition to any pork meal with this air fryer butternut squash. It’s so easy to make, but it has a huge payoff.

Also check out these ways to make canned corn taste better. You probably have all of the ingredients you need in your pantry. If you want to impress people with more sophisticated flavors, try this delicious but super easy balsamic glazed zucchini.

Delicious Desserts

Dinner is always better when you serve something yummy for dessert. Here are some of our favorites:

Mug Cake – These are made individually, so everyone can have their favorite flavor!

Mint Chocolate Brownies – This dessert is a fabulous blend of chocolate and mint.

Festive Fudge – Every meal is a celebration when you serve this fudge for dessert!

Please feel free to share!