This easy, fast holiday side dish—Sausage and Rice—is perfect for entertaining during the holidays, for unexpected company, or when you need a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a simple two-ingredient recipe that’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly versatile. Ready in about 20 minutes, it makes a great side for eggs at breakfast or a hearty addition to any meal. The combination of seasoned ground pork sausage and long grain & wild rice gives you a savory, slightly herby dish that looks and tastes like you fussed for hours.
I grew up in a home where meals were made from scratch and often came straight from the garden. While other kids enjoyed trendy convenience foods, our table usually held simple, homemade dishes. As a result, I don’t rely on many pre-flavored convenience products. That said, I’m always open to discovering surprisingly great shortcuts and two-ingredient recipes that deliver on flavor.
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A few weeks ago, I visited a lifelong friend who served sausage and rice for breakfast. It was perfectly seasoned and delicious with eggs. When I asked for the recipe, she said it was just two ingredients. I tried it at home and it was just as good—proof that simple can be spectacular. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is: stir in frozen peas or broccoli when cooking the sausage for an all-in-one meal, or sprinkle grated cheese on top for extra richness.
This recipe has been passed among friends and family for years. It’s said to have originated from a cooking class that a friend’s mother attended. No matter where it started, it’s become a classic in our circle — comfort food that’s quick, inexpensive, and crowd-pleasing.
Easy Fast Holiday Side Dish Sausage and Rice
Simple, fast, flavorful — this two-ingredient side dish looks and tastes like you spent much more time preparing it.
Ingredients
- 1 box long grain and wild rice mix (prepared according to package instructions)
- 1 lb good quality ground pork sausage
Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to the package directions and keep warm.
- In a frying pan over medium heat, brown the ground pork sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat if desired.
- Stir the cooked sausage into the prepared rice until evenly combined. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.
Notes
For best results, use a long grain and wild rice mix you enjoy. Some brands have distinct seasoning blends that change the final flavor; choose one you like or cook plain rice and season to taste. To turn this into a one-pan dinner, add frozen broccoli florets or peas to the sausage as it cooks, and finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Recipe Details
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Yield: about 8 servings
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Calories: approx. 240 per serving
As a small aside, I like to photograph my dishes with company nearby. On this day, our cat Jack sat beside me while I shot the photos. He normally lives outdoors, but he came inside for shelter during a hurricane and tolerated being part of the photo session—until he got bored.
This two-ingredient sausage and rice recipe is one of those little kitchen miracles: quick, comforting, and easy to adapt. Keep it in your rotation for busy mornings, holiday sides, or last-minute dinners—simple food that always satisfies.