When you want a meal that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare, a skillet dinner is the perfect choice. Few dishes deliver as much satisfaction as a cheesy sausage and rice skillet. With smoky sausage, tender rice, and a gooey layer of melted cheese, this recipe balances comfort and convenience. Best of all, it comes together in one pan, which means less time spent on cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or serving a crowd, this skillet guarantees a comforting bite in every spoonful.

Contents show

Ingredients

This recipe makes 4–6 servings.

For the base:

1 tablespoon olive oil
450 g (1 lb) smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into rounds
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the cheesy topping:

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté vegetables

Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the rice

Stir in the rice, letting it toast lightly with the vegetables for 1–2 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and prevents mushy texture.

Step 4: Add liquids and seasonings

Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in smoked paprika, Italian herbs, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer until rice is tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Return sausage and add cheese

Stir the browned sausage back into the skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Step 7: Finish and serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration: Cool leftovers to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. If reheating in the microwave, cover the dish to prevent drying.

Variations

Different proteins: Swap smoked sausage with chicken sausage, ground beef, or even shrimp.
Spicy version: Use spicy andouille sausage and add cayenne pepper for a kick.
Vegetarian option: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Different grains: Substitute white rice with brown rice (adjust cooking time to 35–40 minutes) or quinoa for a protein boost.
Tex-Mex twist: Add black beans, corn, and top with jalapeños for a southwestern flair.

Serving Suggestions

With a side salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the skillet.
With bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread to scoop up the cheesy rice.
As a party dish: Double the recipe and serve directly from the skillet for casual gatherings.
With eggs: Turn leftovers into a breakfast hash by topping with fried eggs.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent rice from sticking or burning.
Stir occasionally while simmering to ensure even cooking.
Do not lift the lid too often while rice cooks, as it can disrupt steam.
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting.
Adjust liquid amounts slightly depending on the type of rice used.

Conclusion

The cheesy sausage and rice skillet is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With smoky sausage, tender rice, and melted cheese, this one-pan meal delivers rich flavor and hearty texture in every bite. Its versatility makes it easy to adapt to different ingredients, while its simplicity ensures it fits into even the busiest schedules. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or as a leftover breakfast twist, this skillet guarantees satisfaction. Once you make it, it will quickly earn a regular spot in your meal rotation.