If you’re on the hunt for a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal, look no further! This One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is an absolute game-changer. Picture this: savory sausage, tender rice, and a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce all cooked together in one pan, soaking up every ounce of flavor. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with all the goodness you crave, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both stress-free and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
One-Pan Wonder: This meal cooks in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The fewer dishes, the better, right?
Packed with Flavor: The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce infuses the sausage and rice, creating a comforting, savory dish with just the right balance of sweetness.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this is the kind of meal you can throw together even after a busy day.
Hearty & Filling: The sausage adds that perfect hearty protein, while the rice absorbs all the amazing BBQ flavors. It’s a meal that will keep you satisfied.
Customizable: Add some veggies, like bell peppers or onions, or switch up the sausage to make it your own! This dish is super adaptable to what you have on hand.

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Ingredients in One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
Sausage Links: Choose your favorite type of sausage—chicken, pork, or turkey will all work great. The sausage is the star, so pick something that you love.
Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best to soak up all the tangy BBQ sauce.
BBQ Sauce: A good quality sweet and tangy BBQ sauce brings all the flavor! Use your favorite, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Onion: A little diced onion adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish a savory punch and pairs wonderfully with the BBQ sauce.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps the rice cook perfectly.
Olive Oil: To cook the sausage and veggies—just a little bit for that golden, crispy finish.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the dish and balancing out the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bit of color and a touch of freshness.
(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sausage links and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pan, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This is where all the base flavors start to build!
Add the Rice and Chicken Broth:
Add the rice to the pan, stirring it to coat in all the flavorful bits left from the sausage and onions. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let the rice cook for 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Mix in the BBQ Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the magic ingredient! Pour in your BBQ sauce, stirring it in to coat the rice evenly. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and add it back into the pan with the rice. Stir everything together to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, until the rice is tender and the sauce is all absorbed.
Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy the sweet, savory, tangy goodness of this easy one-pan meal!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 20g
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to this hearty dish.
Roasted Veggies: Try roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini on the side for a colorful and nutritious pairing.
Corn on the Cob: A classic BBQ side—corn on the cob with a little butter and seasoning would complement the flavors beautifully.
Garlic Bread: For those who love extra carbs, serve this with a side of warm garlic bread to mop up the flavorful sauce!
Additional Tips
Add Veggies: You can stir in some diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra veggies and a burst of color.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Make it Smoky: For a smoky twist, use smoked sausage or add a bit of smoked paprika to the dish.
Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes! You can use brown rice, but it will take a bit longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid if necessary.
Q2: Can I use any type of sausage?
A2: Absolutely! Pork, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian sausage would work great in this dish. Choose whichever type you prefer!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A5: While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the sausage and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, combine and heat everything up.
Q6: Can I make this dish spicier?
A6: For some extra spice, add chili flakes, hot sauce, or even a diced jalapeño to the dish while it’s cooking.
Q7: Can I add veggies to the dish?
A7: Definitely! Add in some bell peppers, peas, or spinach to give the dish more color and nutrition.
Q8: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A8: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or use beans like black beans or kidney beans for protein.
Q9: How do I know when the rice is done cooking?
A9: The rice will be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If it’s not quite done, add a little more broth and cook for a few more minutes.
Q10: What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
A10: Use your favorite sweet and tangy BBQ sauce! If you like it smokier or spicier, feel free to choose a BBQ sauce that matches your flavor preference.
Conclusion
One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is the perfect go-to recipe when you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s the kind of dish that packs in comforting flavors while saving you time and dishes. The balance of sweet BBQ sauce, savory sausage, and tender rice is a combination that will have your family coming back for seconds. Simple ingredients, one pan, and tons of flavor—what’s not to love? Enjoy!
Print
One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
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This One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner! Juicy sausage is simmered with rice and a tangy BBQ sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor. It’s easy, convenient, and clean-up is a breeze with just one pan to wash. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
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1 lb sausage (such as Italian sausage or smoked sausage), sliced into rounds
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
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1 small onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Sear the sausage: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
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Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the rice and spices: Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Let the rice toast for a minute or two, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
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Simmer with liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Cook the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If necessary, add more broth during the cooking process if the rice isn’t fully cooked yet.
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Combine and finish: Once the rice is cooked, return the sausage to the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
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Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
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You can substitute the sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
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For a little extra flavor, drizzle more BBQ sauce over the top before serving.
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If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 25mg