Low Country Red Rice

Delight in the bold, savory flavors of Low Country Red Rice—a classic Southern dish brimming with smoky, robust goodness. This hearty one-pot recipe combines crispy bacon, succulent smoked sausage, and the aromatic "holy trinity" of onions, bell peppers, and celery, creating a flavorful base for perfectly seasoned long-grain rice. The luscious blend of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices like paprika and thyme infuses the dish with a warm, earthy richness, heightened by a hint of cayenne for just the right kick. Simmered to tender perfection, this soul-soothing favorite is ideal for serving as a family dinner centerpiece or paired with fresh seafood to complete a Low Country feast. Ready in just one hour, Low Country Red Rice is a comforting and satisfying meal that celebrates Southern culinary tradition with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 12 ounces smoked sausage
• 1 large onion
• 1 medium green bell pepper
• 2 stalks celery
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2

Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch rounds and add them to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 3

Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Add them to the pan and sauté in the bacon fat for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Mince the garlic and add it to the pan, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the uncooked rice, allowing it to coat in the vegetable mixture. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken or vegetable broth, tomato paste, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Return the sausage to the pan and crumble the bacon into the mixture. Stir everything together.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover tightly with a lid and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2506.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2107.8

Total Fat 110.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 285.7mg	0%
Sodium 9600.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.1g	0%
Total Sugars 43.6g
Protein 91.2g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 545.3mg	0%
Iron 19.3mg	0%
Potassium 3830.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.9%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 35.9%