Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Quick Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful kielbasa rice and broccoli skillet that brings hearty flavors to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this one-pan wonder delivers with its perfect blend of smoky kielbasa and tender vegetables.

Crisp broccoli adds a nutritious punch to the savory dish, creating a balanced meal that comes together in minutes.

The melted cheese weaves through each bite, transforming ordinary ingredients into something truly special.

Packed with protein and robust flavors, this skillet recipe promises to become a family favorite that requires minimal cleanup.

Hungry diners will appreciate how quickly this delicious meal comes together from start to finish.

Dig in and savor every cheesy, satisfying forkful.

FAQs

  • What makes this dish a quick and easy meal?

This one-skillet recipe combines protein, vegetables, and rice in under 30 minutes, minimizing cleanup and cooking time.

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with andouille, smoked sausage, or chorizo for varied flavor profiles while maintaining a similar cooking method.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy texture, mild seasonings, and familiar ingredients like rice and sausage make it appealing to children and adults alike.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use brown rice instead of white rice, opt for low-fat cheese, choose turkey kielbasa, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to boost nutritional value.

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice Skillet Highlights

  • Whip Up Quickly: This one-pan wonder saves you from washing multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze after a delicious meal.
  • Boost Flavor Instantly: The combination of kielbasa, broccoli, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering blend that satisfies both kids and adults.
  • Pack Nutrition Smartly: Packed with protein from kielbasa, vitamins from broccoli, and comforting rice, this skillet delivers a balanced meal in minutes.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add your favorite spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for those who love to experiment in the kitchen.

Ingredients For Kielbasa Rice Skillet Magic

Main Ingredients:
  • Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds rich, smoky protein to the skillet.
  • Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that provides crunch and nutritional boost to the dish.
  • Rice: A classic base that soaks up the delicious flavors and creates a hearty meal.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that melt and create a smooth, rich sauce for the skillet.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Chicken Broth, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings and liquid that enhance the overall flavor profile and create moisture in the dish.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: A healthy oil used to brown the kielbasa and prevent sticking in the skillet.

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice Skillet Instructions

Step 1: Brown The Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place sliced kielbasa and cook until edges turn golden brown and develop a delicious crispy exterior, around 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Tenderize The Broccoli

Add fresh broccoli florets to the skillet and cook alongside the kielbasa.

Sauté until the broccoli becomes bright green and slightly tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance With Seasonings

Sprinkle in seasonings:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly across the kielbasa and broccoli.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

Pour in cooked rice and chicken broth.

Gently mix ingredients, allowing them to combine and develop rich flavors.

Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing liquid to slightly reduce.

Step 5: Melt In Creamy Goodness

Remove skillet from heat.

Fold in:
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheese

Stir until ingredients create a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 6: Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.

Cover the skillet and let sit until cheese melts completely, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Transfer the skillet directly to the table.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Handy Tips For A Perfect Rice Skillet

  • Select lower-fat kielbasa varieties to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
  • Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutrient density and create more balanced meal.
  • Let cheese melt naturally off heat to prevent overcooking and maintain creamy texture.
  • Use cauliflower rice for low-carb version or brown rice for additional fiber and whole grain benefits.
  • Cook rice and slice kielbasa in advance to speed up overall meal preparation time.

Tasty Kielbasa Rice Skillet Variations

  • Vegetarian Power Bowl: Replace kielbasa with firm tofu or tempeh, sautéed until golden. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate alternative. Keep all other ingredients the same for a keto-friendly meal.
  • Spicy Southwest Skillet: Add diced jalapeños, swap paprika for chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Include black beans for additional protein and flavor.
  • Mediterranean-Style Skillet: Use chicken sausage, add sun-dried tomatoes, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Plating Kielbasa Rice Skillet For Family

  • Quick Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty skillet with a crisp green salad for added freshness and balanced nutrition.
  • Weekend Game Night Feast: Serve alongside cold beer or sparkling water with lemon for a satisfying casual meal that everyone will love.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack leftovers in airtight containers for delicious work or school lunches, which reheat beautifully in microwave within 2-3 minutes.
  • Garnish Glamour: Top with chopped fresh chives, green onions, or parsley for extra color and a burst of herbal flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Skillet Leftovers: Storing Made Simple

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amount of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
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Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Kielbasa rice and broccoli skillet delivers hearty comfort with minimal kitchen effort. Savory sausage, tender rice, and crisp broccoli combine in one pan for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 14 ounces (396 grams) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, searing kielbasa slices until golden and crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  2. Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, sautéing until they reach a tender, vibrant green consistency, roughly 3-4 minutes.
  3. Enhance the mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, thoroughly distributing the seasonings across the ingredients.
  4. Integrate cooked rice and chicken broth, gently combining until harmoniously blended, allowing the liquid to softly simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Transfer skillet off direct heat, folding in sour cream and first portion of shredded cheese, creating a creamy, luxurious texture.
  6. Generously crown the dish with remaining cheese, covering the skillet to encourage smooth melting for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Plate immediately while hot, presenting a rich, comforting one-pan meal bursting with savory flavors and melted cheese.

Notes

  • Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish lighter and lower in calories.
  • Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for increased fiber and vitamins.
  • Use brown rice instead of white rice to enhance the dish’s nutritional profile with more whole grains and sustained energy.
  • Create a dairy-free version by substituting sour cream with coconut yogurt and using dairy-free cheese alternatives for those with lactose intolerance.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Polish-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 940 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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