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Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet


  • Author: Eleanor
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

A hearty one-pan meal made with smoky sausage, tender rice, flavorful vegetables, and a gooey layer of melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Base:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 450 g (1 lb) smoked sausage (kielbasa), sliced into rounds

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Rice mixture:

  • 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

Cheesy topping:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-mozzarella blend)

  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and brown for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  • Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

  • Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.

  • Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian herbs, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Stir occasionally.

  • Return sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine.

  • Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan over the top. Cover and cook 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.

  • Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.

  • Swap white rice for brown rice but increase cook time to 35–40 minutes.

  • Stir in extra veggies like corn, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.

  • For spice, use andouille sausage or add jalapeños.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet / One-pan
  • Cuisine: American comfort food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 6)
  • Calories: 445 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: cheesy sausage and rice skillet, one-pan sausage and rice, easy skillet dinner