The aroma of sizzling sausage fills the air as you catch a whiff of the spicy goodness that is dirty rice with sausage. This dish doesn’t just feed your hunger; it dances on your taste buds like a jazz band at Mardi Gras. Rich in flavors and packed with heartiness, it’s the perfect meal for those cozy nights when you want to impress but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Speaking of cozy nights, I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family—my brother practically inhaled it! With every spoonful, he proclaimed me a culinary genius (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration). But let’s face it; who wouldn’t want their loved ones to rave about their cooking skills? This delicious concoction is not only easy to whip up but also perfect for gatherings or lazy Sundays.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make dish offers a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- The vibrant colors and inviting aromas make it irresistible on any dinner table.
- You can easily adapt the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead!
I once had my cousin try this recipe during our family reunion, and let’s just say I’m still receiving thank-you texts weeks later!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Long Grain Rice: Use long grain rice for a fluffy texture that absorbs all the savory flavors beautifully.
- Ground Sausage: A flavorful choice; opt for turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer leaner meat.
- Onion: Dice finely for sweetness; it adds depth when sautéed until translucent.
- Bell Peppers: Red or green adds vibrant color and sweetness; chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Celery: Finely chopped celery gives crunch and enhances flavor; don’t skip this aromatic addition!
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic creates an aromatic base that elevates each bite.
- Cajun Seasoning: A must-have spice mix that packs a punch of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Enhance moisture and richness; opt for low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
- Green Onions: Sliced thinly as a garnish brings freshness and crunch at the end.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
First things first—let’s get cooking! Ready your apron because we are about to create some magic.
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and toss in diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do!
Add the Sausage: Incorporate your ground sausage into the pan. Cook until browned and crumbled nicely—this should take about 7-10 minutes. The aroma will have you wishing dinner were ready now!
Add Rice & Seasoning : Stir in your long grain rice along with Cajun seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly coated—this step ensures maximum flavor infusion!
Pour in Chicken Broth: Gradually add chicken broth to the skillet while stirring gently. Bring it to a boil before reducing heat to low—cover tightly and let simmer for 20 minutes.
Add Finishing Touches : Once cooked, fluff with a fork before adding sliced green onions as garnish. This adds freshness and visual appeal!
Enjoy your delicious creation immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container for future meals!
You Must Know
- Dirty rice with sausage is a hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- The blend of spices and textures creates a symphony that dances in your mouth, making each bite an adventure.
- Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the sausage until crispy, then sauté vegetables in the remaining fat. Add rice and broth later for full flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap sausage for chicken or turkey, add bell peppers for sweetness, or throw in some shrimp for fun!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use day-old rice for better texture; it prevents clumping.
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasonings early.
- Remember, fresh herbs added at the end elevate flavors significantly.
I remember the first time I made dirty rice with sausage; my friends devoured it within minutes and begged for seconds—it was a culinary love story in every bite!
FAQ
What type of sausage works best for dirty rice with sausage?
Use smoked or spicy sausage for robust flavor that complements the rice beautifully.
Can I make dirty rice with sausage ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
Is dirty rice gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and broth, it’s safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Delicious Dirty Rice with Sausage
Savor the rich flavors of this delicious dirty rice, featuring ground turkey sausage and vibrant vegetables—a perfect dish for family gatherings or meal prep.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 lb ground turkey sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red or green)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté diced onion, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground turkey sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and crumbled (7-10 minutes).
- Stir in long grain rice and Cajun seasoning until well coated.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring gently. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider including cooked shrimp or substituting turkey sausage with chicken sausage.
- Use day-old rice for better texture; it prevents clumping.
- Adjust seasonings according to personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg