If you’re craving comfort food that’s as easy as it is flavorful, Cheesy Sausage and Rice is destined to become your go-to weeknight dinner. This dish is a delicious harmony of smoky sausage, tender rice, sweet peppers, and gooey cheddar cheese, all cooked in one skillet for ultimate convenience. With bold color and big flavors in every bite, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll look forward to sharing with family and friends around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make Cheesy Sausage and Rice. Each ingredient plays an important role, transforming simple pantry and fridge staples into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Don’t skip on the fresh veggies and cheese—they make all the difference!
- Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil starts the skillet off right and helps brown the sausage for maximum flavor.
- Smoked sausage: Opt for your favorite variety; its smoky, savory profile anchors the dish.
- Onion: Diced onion builds sweetness and depth, making each forkful more delicious.
- Bell pepper: Use any color you love; bell pepper brings both beautiful color and a pop of natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, add fragrant warmth and savory complexity.
- Long-grain white rice: Stick with long-grain for a fluffy texture that never turns gloopy.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory richness that infuses the rice as it cooks.
- Paprika: For a gentle warmth and hint of color; smoked paprika is especially nice here.
- Black pepper: Just a touch balances the richness without overpowering.
- Salt (optional): Depending on your broth and sausage, you may want to add a little or skip it entirely.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, it turns everything creamy, gooey, and irresistible.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley at the end brightens everything up beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Rice
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the edges get golden brown and flavorful. This step is where you’ll build the dish’s savory foundation, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper
Once your sausage is browned to perfection, toss in the diced onion and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened and taken on a hint of color. The aroma at this point is simply mouthwatering.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant, not browned—garlic burns quickly but releases tons of flavor in just half a minute.
Step 4: Simmer Everything Together
Pour in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, paprika, black pepper, and salt if you’re using it. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up all the savory broth and become incredibly tender.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
When the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. While everything is still hot, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts into the rice and sausage, creating a creamy, perfectly cheesy finish for your Cheesy Sausage and Rice.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you want a fresh note and a pop of color, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the skillet. Serve your Cheesy Sausage and Rice warm, right from the pan, for maximum happiness.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage and Rice
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley offers a touch of freshness that pops against the warm, cheesy backdrop of the dish. For a little kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes, or finish with a few sliced green onions to give your Cheesy Sausage and Rice some extra zip and crunch.
Side Dishes
This hearty skillet really shines next to a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or even some warm, crusty bread for scooping and savoring every last bit of cheesy goodness. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, pair Cheesy Sausage and Rice with tangy coleslaw, grilled corn, or oven-roasted broccoli for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cheesy Sausage and Rice family-style in the skillet for an unfussy, comforting dinner, or spoon it into individual bowls for a cozier, personal touch. For parties or meal prep, fill bell pepper halves or hollowed tomatoes with the rice mixture—bake for 10 minutes to create cheerful, edible bowls that’ll wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Sausage and Rice, lucky you! Simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then spoon it into airtight containers. Stash it in the refrigerator, and you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner for up to four days. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or quick meals on busy days.
Freezing
To freeze Cheesy Sausage and Rice, allow it to cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Flatten the bags for easier storage and quicker thawing. It will keep up to three months in the freezer. Just be aware that the cheese might lose a bit of its creamy texture after freezing, but the flavor remains spot-on.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual portions of Cheesy Sausage and Rice in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore its creamy texture. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and adding a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired. Always make sure it’s warmed through for the ultimate cheesy experience.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Sausage and Rice with brown rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will require a bit more liquid and a longer cooking time—usually around 40 minutes. Check the rice package instructions and add extra broth as needed to keep things fluffy and moist.
What’s the best sausage to use for this recipe?
Smoked sausage is classic for Cheesy Sausage and Rice, but you can easily swap in andouille, turkey sausage, kielbasa, or even a plant-based sausage if you’d like a lighter or vegetarian option. Each will add its own unique spin to the dish!
How can I make it creamier?
For an extra luscious Cheesy Sausage and Rice, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a couple tablespoons of cream cheese just before adding the cheddar. This amplifies the creaminess and gives the dish a gentle tang that’s utterly crave-worthy.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to toss in some frozen peas, corn, spinach, or diced tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds color, extra nutrition, and new textures without complicating the recipe.
Is Cheesy Sausage and Rice gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure your sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. With those swaps, you’ll have a naturally gluten-free meal that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about a skillet full of Cheesy Sausage and Rice—every bite is comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Give this cozy favorite a try, and I bet it’ll earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—good food is always best enjoyed together!
Print
Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Sausage and Rice is a delicious one-pan meal that combines savory smoked sausage, tender rice, and gooey melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Main Ingredients:
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Sausage: Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Rice and Broth: Add rice, chicken broth, paprika, black pepper, and salt if using. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use turkey sausage or kielbasa as a lighter alternative.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in sour cream or cream cheese for creaminess before adding the cheddar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
