Description
A simple, one-pan cheesy smoked sausage and rice casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with smoky sausage, fluffy rice, and melted cheese for a comforting and budget-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), sliced into coins
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove sausage, leaving drippings in the pan.
- Add olive oil if needed. Add onion and bell pepper to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add rice to the pan and stir for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, and cayenne. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Return sausage to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover again for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Fluff gently with a fork, mixing in some cheese. Top with green onions and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use long-grain white rice; instant rice can become mushy.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat well.
- You can prep vegetables the night before to save time.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg