Cheesy Smoked Sausage Rice Skillet

Cheesy Smoked Sausage Rice Skillet is pure comfort food that comes together in one pan with minimal mess and maximum flavor. Between the savory sausage and the oozy melted cheese layered with mellow rice and pops of broccoli, this is a weeknight staple designed for busy families or anyone craving a hearty bite without a lot of fuss.

The first time I made this on a rushed Tuesday night my family scraped their plates clean. Now I keep the sausage and broccoli on hand for emergencies.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Smoked sausage: Look for a good quality smoked sausage with a deep reddish color for the best flavor
• Onion: Adds sweetness and a flavor foundation Pick yellow onion for its balance
• Green bell pepper: Gives a slight crunch and mellow bitterness Choose one that feels firm and heavy
• Salt: Just enough to make all the other spices pop
• Black pepper: Lends a gentle heat Use fresh cracked for full flavor
• Smoked paprika: Essential for woodsy smoky notes Spanish paprika is perfect
• Onion powder: Strengthens onion flavor and adds richness
• Minced garlic: Freshly minced gives a potent aromatic base
• Chicken broth: Use low sodium if available for control over seasoning Homemade or boxed is fine
• White long grain rice: Rinse well so it cooks fluffy without sticking
• Frozen broccoli florets: They hold their shape better and keep prep super simple
• Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and gives a creamy finish Buy block cheese to shred at home for best melt
• Dried parsley: For a burst of color and fresh aroma

How to Make It

Prep Ingredients:

Cut the smoked sausage into small rounds or half moons It helps to have all chopping done before heading to the stove so this step is seamless

Brown and Soften:

Heat a large skillet over medium high Add sausage onion and green bell pepper Cook for about six to eight minutes stirring sometimes Let the sausage brown and the vegetables become tender as this creates big flavor

Season and Sauté:

Stir in the minced garlic letting it cook for a minute until fragrant Sprinkle in the salt black pepper smoked paprika and onion powder Stir everything well so spices coat the sausage and vegetables

Rice and Broth:

Pour in the rinsed white rice and chicken broth Stir to combine Bring the contents to a lively boil then decrease the heat to medium low Cover with a tight lid and let simmer gently for about twenty minutes

Add Broccoli:

About ten minutes in lift the lid and add the frozen broccoli florets Distribute them evenly then quickly cover again Finish cooking until rice is cooked through and broccoli is heated

Cheese Melt:

When everything is tender and hot stir in about a cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese Let it melt in gently Then scatter the rest of the cheese on top Cover until gooey or slide under a broiler for a bubbling golden finish

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle dried parsley for color Scoop onto plates while hot and serve right away for the best cheese pull

My favorite part is how the cheese melts into puddles over the rice and broccoli taking everything to the next level. My youngest always insists on helping add the extra cheese at the end and we fight over the crispy cheesy edges.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips: Let leftovers cool fully before storing Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For reheating add a splash of broth or water to keep rice from drying out It also does well when portioned and wrapped for the freezer for up to three months

Serving Suggestions

A simple green salad on the side balances the richness Some warm crusty bread helps mop up any cheesy bits It is also great tucked into a thermos for potlucks or workday lunches

Creative Twists

Ingredient Substitutions: Chop up kielbasa or chicken sausage if you cannot find classic smoked sausage Any melting cheese such as Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar also works well If you need to avoid dairy try vegan cheese shreds but add them right at the end for best results. Seasonal Adaptations: In spring toss in fresh asparagus or peas instead of broccoli When summer hits roasted red peppers and corn add a sweet crunch In the fall try stirring in spinach or kale just before serving

No matter how you make it cheesy smoked sausage rice skillet is the kind of meal that guarantees grins at the table and plenty of requests for seconds

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use a different cheese type?

Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella all work well for a creamy melt and rich flavor.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook it in advance and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven for best texture.

→ Can I swap fresh vegetables for frozen?

Definitely. Fresh broccoli or other vegetables can be substituted for frozen—just chop them into bite-sized pieces.

→ What type of sausage is best?

Smoked sausage adds the best flavor, but other varieties like kielbasa or turkey sausage work too.

→ How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Make sure to use enough broth, cover the skillet tightly, and stir occasionally for evenly cooked rice.