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
Base:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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450 g (1 lb) smoked sausage (kielbasa), sliced into rounds
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
Rice mixture:
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1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
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2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
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1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
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½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheesy topping:
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-mozzarella blend)
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2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and brown for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
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Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian herbs, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Stir occasionally.
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Return sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine.
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Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan over the top. Cover and cook 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
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Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
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Swap white rice for brown rice but increase cook time to 35–40 minutes.
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Stir in extra veggies like corn, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
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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