Some dishes deliver comfort, convenience, and bold flavor all in a single bite. The Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet is one of those meals. It brings together smoky sausage, tender rice, melty cheese, and vegetables in a hearty one-pan dish that is both satisfying and simple to make. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste but also in its practicality. Since everything cooks in one skillet, cleanup becomes quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients
Precise measurements help balance flavors and keep the dish creamy yet not overly heavy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth and sausage saltiness)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Optional additions: 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or spinach for extra vegetables.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice and helps it cook evenly.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with juices. Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid stirring too often, as this can make the rice gummy.
Step 6: Return the Sausage
Once the rice is cooked, return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir gently to distribute the meat evenly throughout the rice mixture.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover with a lid and let sit for 5 minutes to melt. Stir lightly to incorporate the gooey cheese into the dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Serve warm straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Conservation and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between bursts.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy andouille sausage or add ½ teaspoon red chili flakes.
- Tex-Mex Style: Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese and add 1 teaspoon chili powder plus 1 cup of black beans.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and stir in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with 4 cups of riced cauliflower. Reduce broth to 1 cup and cook for 8–10 minutes instead of 20.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables such as zucchini and mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy skillet pairs well with simple sides or stands strong as a complete meal.
- With Bread: Serve with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up extra sauce.
- Salad Pairing: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts as a lighter complement.
- Family Style: Place the skillet on the table and let everyone serve themselves for a casual, comforting dinner.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Brown sausage thoroughly before removing to maximize flavor.
- Toast rice lightly for better texture and aroma.
- Keep the skillet covered during simmering to ensure even cooking.
- Resist stirring too often while rice cooks; it prevents clumping and ensures fluffy grains.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet is proof that comfort food does not need to be complicated. With its combination of savory sausage, tender rice, melted cheese, and fragrant spices, it delivers flavor and warmth in every bite. Its adaptability makes it a recipe you can tailor to your preferences, whether adding extra vegetables, swapping cheeses, or adjusting the spice level. Best of all, everything comes together in one pan, making it as practical as it is delicious. This skillet meal is versatile enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough to serve when friends or family gather around your table.
Print
Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet: Comfort Food in One Pan
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty one-pan meal with smoky sausage, tender rice, melty cheddar, and vegetables. This Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet delivers bold flavor and comfort with minimal cleanup, making it the perfect family dinner or weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
14 ounces smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Optional additions: 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or spinach
Instructions
Cook sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and cook 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Toast rice: Stir in rice and cook 2 minutes to lightly toast.
Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in paprika, oregano, thyme, pepper, and salt.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and cook 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
Return sausage: Add sausage back to skillet and stir gently.
Add cheese: Sprinkle cheddar over top. Cover for 5 minutes until melted. Stir lightly.
Garnish & serve: Top with green onions and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melting.
Do not stir rice often during cooking to avoid gumminess.
Adjust seasoning based on saltiness of broth and sausage.
Add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Cheesy sausage and rice skillet, one-pan sausage dinner, easy sausage and rice recipe, skillet comfort food
