One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that brings the whole family to the table with smiles and second helpings. This One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice has become that dish in our home—the kind that everyone looks forward to, even on the busiest nights. I first made this on a hectic Tuesday when I had a pack of sausage links in the fridge, leftover rice, and very little energy. I tossed everything into a skillet with a sweet and tangy barbecue-inspired sauce, and let me tell you, the result was pure magic.
What I love most is how incredibly easy it is—just one pan, minimal cleanup, and dinner is done in under 30 minutes. The sausage gets beautifully caramelized, soaking up that sticky glaze while the rice turns golden and packed with flavor. My kids absolutely devour it, and my husband always asks for leftovers to take for lunch the next day (spoiler: there usually aren’t any!).
It’s not fancy, but that’s the beauty of it. This recipe has heart—it’s dependable, flavorful, and adaptable. Whether I’m using spicy sausage for a kick or a milder version for the kids, it always hits the spot. It’s also become my go-to when friends stop by unannounced, because I always have the ingredients on hand. One bite, and they’re asking for the recipe. This dish has definitely earned its place in our regular meal rotation, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes! Pre-cooked sausage works just fine. Just slice and sear it until it browns slightly before adding the sauce and rice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce gives this dish that classic tang. Use your favorite bottled brand or homemade!
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but be aware it may take a bit longer to soften and absorb the flavors.
Is this recipe spicy?
It depends on your sausage and BBQ sauce choice. You can control the heat based on what you use!
What You Need to Make One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into coins
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked white rice (day-old rice works best)
1/3 cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky preferred)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Special Equipment:
Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
Sear the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes.
Sauté the aromatics: Push the sausage to one side and add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
Add the sauce: Stir in BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, and smoked paprika (if using). Let it bubble and thicken slightly for 1–2 minutes.
Add the rice: Toss in the cooked rice and mix everything thoroughly to coat the grains in the sauce. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the bottom.
Finish and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving hot.
Tips for Making the Best One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
Use day-old rice if possible—it holds up better and won’t turn mushy.
Caramelize the sausage well. Let it get nice and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust sweetness or tang by tweaking the honey and BBQ sauce to your preference.
Add veggies like bell peppers or corn for more color and nutrition.
Want it spicy? A splash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños adds great heat.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a total hit with my family! My kids asked for seconds, and my husband said it reminded him of something his mom used to make.” – Amanda R.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really tasty and super quick to throw together. I used spicy sausage for a little kick—will definitely make again!” – Jake M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for a weeknight dinner and it was perfect. Love that it’s all in one pan. Cleanup was a breeze!” – Leslie T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It was good, but a bit sweet for my taste. I’ll cut back on the honey next time or try a tangier BBQ sauce.” – Marco G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy and flavorful! I tossed in some leftover corn and bell pepper—delicious. This one’s going into my regular dinner rotation.” – Kylie L.
Printable Recipe
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One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
This One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is a weeknight dinner hero! It’s quick, easy, and packed with bold BBQ flavor. With caramelized sausage, saucy rice, and simple ingredients, this dish is a family favorite that comes together in just 30 minutes—and only one pan to clean!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into coins
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked white rice (day-old rice works best)
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky preferred)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
- Special Equipment:
- Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Sear the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes.
- Sauté the aromatics: Push the sausage to one side and add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add the sauce: Stir in BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, and smoked paprika (if using). Let it bubble and thicken slightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the rice: Toss in the cooked rice and mix everything thoroughly to coat the grains in the sauce. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the bottom.
- Finish and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving hot.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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