Description
A flavorful one-pan Sausage Zucchini and Brown Rice Skillet recipe featuring smoked turkey sausage, fresh vegetables, instant brown rice, black beans, and a blend of spices, perfect for a quick and hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups halved and sliced zucchini
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups instant brown rice (such as Minute brown rice)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté onions: Add finely chopped yellow onion and sauté, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes until softened.
- Add vegetables: Add zucchini, green bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Cook sausage: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, slightly off the burner heat, then add the sliced smoked turkey sausage to the empty side. Cook until it starts to brown, turning occasionally, about 3 minutes.
- Add rice and liquids: Pour in instant brown rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, and low-sodium chicken broth.
- Season: Season with chili powder, ground cumin, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add black beans and simmer: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook covered: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the temperature to medium. Let it simmer gently for 6 minutes.
- Rest and finish: Remove the pan from heat, toss the mixture gently, and let it rest covered for 10 minutes to allow the rice to fully absorb the liquid and become tender. Drain any excess liquid if desired.
- Serve: Toss in fresh chopped parsley and serve warm. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use a 12-inch skillet with a lid to ensure even cooking and proper steaming of the rice.
- Substitute smoked turkey sausage with chicken sausage or a vegetarian sausage alternative to suit dietary preferences.
- For a spicier dish, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- Instant brown rice cooks quickly but if using regular brown rice, increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on stovetop or microwave.
- Omit cheese or use a dairy-free cheese to make the dish lactose-free or vegan.
