Description
This Cheesy Sausage and Rice recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoky sausage, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese, it combines savory and creamy textures in a convenient stovetop dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Seasonings
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
Optional Add-ins and Garnish
- 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp on the edges, releasing their smoky flavor.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add rice and seasonings: Mix in the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the rice: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook undisturbed for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Add cheese and cream: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream or milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and the frozen peas or broccoli if using. Continue to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the mixture is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh touch, and serve hot as a delightful main course meal.
Notes
- Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor profile.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly since brown rice takes longer to cook.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep; store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
