The Weeknight Table

Ingredients

Produce

• 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
• 1 green bell pepper, small dice
• 2 celery stalks, small dice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Meat

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound sage breakfast sausage (pork)

Grains

• 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)

Broth & Canned Goods

• 3 cups chicken stock (low sodium preferred)

Spices & Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional but recommended)
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1–1½ teaspoons kosher salt (to taste)

Oils

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (only if needed)

---

Instructions

In a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef and sage breakfast sausage. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and slightly caramelized — don’t rush this part because those browned bits equal flavor. If there’s excessive grease, drain off most of it, leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery directly into the meat and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.

Add the uncooked rice directly into the pot and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes to toast it in the fat and flavors. The rice should look slightly translucent around the edges — this step builds depth and keeps the grains separate later.

Pour in the chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Add the poultry seasoning, thyme (if using), bay leaves, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for about 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5–10 minutes. Discard the bay leaves, fluff gently with a fork, and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.