Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Quick Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up a hearty kielbasa rice and broccoli skillet promises a delightful dinner solution that combines robust flavors in one pan.

Crisp vegetables mingle with smoky sausage and fluffy grains for a satisfying meal.

Weeknight cooking can feel like a breeze when you have such a simple yet tasty recipe at hand.

Polish-style kielbasa brings a rich, savory punch to this one-pan wonder.

broccoli adds a fresh, nutritious element that balances the dish perfectly.

Comfort meets convenience in this quick and filling skillet that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

You’ll be amazed how effortlessly this recipe becomes a new family favorite.

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet – Hearty Combo

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  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a delicious dessert in mere minutes that looks impressive and tastes incredible, perfect for Halloween parties, classroom treats, or spontaneous family celebrations.

Ingredients for Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

Main Protein:
  • Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds rich, smoky taste to the skillet meal.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutrients and adds color to the dish.
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the skillet.
  • Garlic: Brings a bold, savory element that enhances the overall taste.
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Rice: Serves as the hearty foundation of the one-pan meal.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional flavor for cooking the rice.
Cheese and Seasoning:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors of the dish.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the kielbasa and prevents sticking in the skillet.

Preparing Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in kielbasa slices and cook until they develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior, releasing their rich, smoky flavor.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté these ingredients until they become fragrant and translucent, creating a delicious flavor base for the dish.

Step 3: Introduce Rice

Stir in uncooked rice and pour in chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the rice to start absorbing the flavorful liquid.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Cover the skillet and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes. This will ensure the rice becomes perfectly tender and absorbs all the delicious surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Add Vibrant Broccoli

Sprinkle broccoli florets over the rice and kielbasa mixture. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the broccoli become bright green and slightly tender.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious coating that binds all the ingredients together.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Enhance the dish with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a final stir and serve the skillet piping hot, ready to delight your taste buds.

Kielbasa Rice Skillet: Tasty Tips for All

  • Slice kielbasa uniformly to ensure even browning and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the meal from becoming too salty.
  • Opt for fresh broccoli florets for maximum crunch and nutritional value, avoiding frozen varieties that might release excess water.
  • Grate cheese directly over the skillet for more even melting and better integration with other ingredients.
  • Consider adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or swap cheddar with smoked gouda for a more complex flavor profile.

Skillet: New Combos for Your Table

  • Spicy Southwest Skillet: Replace kielbasa with chorizo, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Style: Use chicken sausage, substitute rice with quinoa, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle feta cheese on top.
  • Vegetarian Comfort: Swap kielbasa with plant-based sausage, add mushrooms and spinach, use vegetable broth, and mix in nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Incorporate grilled chicken strips instead of kielbasa, use brown rice, mix in roasted bell peppers, and top with crumbled goat cheese.

Serving Up Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty skillet directly from the pan at the table, letting everyone scoop out their own steaming portion with extra cheese sprinkled on top.
  • Lunch Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious work or school lunch that reheats perfectly and stays flavorful throughout the day.
  • Potluck Party Favorite: Transfer the skillet to a buffet-style gathering, keeping it warm on a low heat setting, allowing guests to enjoy a comforting and satisfying dish that's sure to impress.
  • Quick Game Night Fuel: Plate this one-pan wonder with a side of crisp green salad and crusty bread, creating a complete meal that's perfect for casual gatherings with friends and family.

Storing Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

  • Transfer leftover skillet to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Cool the dish completely before placing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 2 months. Frozen meals retain best quality when stored flat to save space.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed skillet in a microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • Is kielbasa already cooked?

Yes, kielbasa is a pre-cooked sausage, so it just needs to be heated and browned in the skillet to enhance its flavor and texture.

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can work, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice typically requires more liquid and longer cooking time than white rice.

  • What if I don't have fresh broccoli?

Frozen broccoli is a perfect substitute. Just add it directly to the skillet and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through and tender.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy variety of kielbasa to increase the heat level of the skillet meal.

Print
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Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty kielbasa rice and broccoli skillet delights families with quick, satisfying one-pan comfort. Polish sausage and creamy cheese blend perfectly, creating a simple weeknight meal packed with flavor and nutrition that home cooks will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (454 g)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden sear on kielbasa slices until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until their aromatic essence permeates the skillet.
  3. Introduce raw rice and chicken broth, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly, then allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
  4. Reduce heat, secure skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until grains become tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Nestle vibrant broccoli florets into the rice mixture, covering the skillet to steam for an additional 4-5 minutes until vegetables reach a crisp-tender consistency.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, folding gently to create a luxurious, melted coating that binds the ingredients together.
  7. Elevate flavors with a judicious pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a harmonious balance of seasonings.
  8. Transfer the skillet directly to the table, serving immediately while the dish remains piping hot and the cheese maintains its creamy texture.

Notes

  • Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish flavorful and reduces overall fat content.
  • Quick-cooking brown rice can replace white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome texture to the skillet.
  • Customize vegetable mix by adding bell peppers or cauliflower for extra nutrition and color variation in the one-pan meal.
  • For dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to maintain the creamy, cheesy consistency without traditional cheese.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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