Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
This Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal packed with smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, it combines bold flavors like smoked paprika and garlic with nutritious broccoli and comforting rice, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 14 oz package smoked sausage, cut into small pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 10.8 oz package frozen broccoli florets
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- Dried parsley, for garnish
Other Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup white long grain rice, rinsed
- 8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the smoked sausage into small bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and green bell pepper finely to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sauté Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the smoked sausage, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions and peppers have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Once the sausage is browned and vegetables are softened, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed white rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sausage and vegetables. Pour in 2 1/4 cups of chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the rice cook covered for about 20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, add the frozen broccoli florets on top, allowing them to steam and cook along with the rice.
- Add Cheese and Melt: When the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, stir in about 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Layer additional cheese on top and cover the skillet again to allow the cheese to melt. Alternatively, place the skillet under the oven broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese and achieve a lightly browned topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle dried parsley over the melted cheese for a fresh herb finish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful skillet meal.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings.
- The dish can be made with turkey or chicken sausage as a leaner alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
