The Coziest Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Recipe

My recent kielbasa discovery sparked an incredible one-pan meal that combines hearty flavors and simple ingredients.

Savory sausage pairs perfectly with tender rice and crisp green florets.

Busy weeknight warriors will appreciate how quickly this skillet comes together.

Cheese melts into every delicious bite, creating a comforting blend of textures.

Protein-packed and satisfying, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Rich, creamy, and packed with wholesome goodness, each forkful promises a delightful dinner experience.

You’ll want to bookmark this easy skillet marvel for your next meal solution.

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice & Broccoli Skillet: A Cozy One-Pan Feast

• Quick One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a delicious meal that comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time.
• Protein-Packed Comfort: Kielbasa provides hearty protein while broccoli adds essential nutrients, creating a balanced and satisfying dinner that keeps you full.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of melted cheese, smoky kielbasa, and tender broccoli creates a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences, making this recipe flexible and adaptable to what you have on hand.

Gather Everything for Your Cheesy Kielbasa Skillet

• Kielbasa Sausage: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds rich, smoky protein to the skillet dish.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that provides texture and health benefits to the recipe.
• Rice: A hearty base that helps bind the ingredients and creates a satisfying meal.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a delicious tangy flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics build a deep and savory flavor foundation for the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Seasonings that enhance and complement the overall taste profile.

• Chicken Broth: A liquid that helps cook the broccoli and adds moisture to the skillet.
• Sour Cream: A creamy ingredient that provides richness and a slight tanginess to the dish.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the ingredients and prevent sticking.

Follow This Simple Path to Skillet Perfection

Step 1: Brown The Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place sliced kielbasa in the pan and cook until both sides turn a beautiful golden brown, which takes approximately 5 minutes.

Step 2: Saute Aromatics

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook and stir until the onions become soft and translucent, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broccoli And Broth

Introduce broccoli florets and pour in chicken broth. Allow the mixture to simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender but still maintains a vibrant green color.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

Fold in cooked rice, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and ensure everything is heated evenly.

Step 5: Season And Enhance

Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika across the skillet. Mix well to distribute the seasonings throughout the dish.

Step 6: Melt The Cheese

Scatter the remaining cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover and let the cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from heat and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the kielbasa is warm.

Chef’s Secret for Sizzling Kielbasa & Rice

• Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish delicious and lower in calories.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and add more color to the skillet.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a nutty flavor that complements the cheesy sauce.
• Consider using Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream, which maintains creaminess while reducing fat content.
• Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and cheese set properly, ensuring a more cohesive and satisfying meal.

Exciting Twists to Try in Your Skillet

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or cubed extra-firm tofu for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, low-carb meal option.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include chili powder to create a zesty southwestern-style skillet.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking chicken broth and sausage labels for potential gluten contamination.

Ideal Side Dishes to Complement the Skillet

Comfort Food Family Night: Create a cozy dinner experience by serving this skillet as the centerpiece, encouraging everyone to gather around and share stories while enjoying hearty, cheesy bites.

Quick Lunch Meal Prep: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for an easy, satisfying midweek lunch that reheats perfectly and provides balanced nutrition with protein, veggies, and grains.

Picnic Perfect Dish: Transfer the skillet to a large portable container for outdoor gatherings, keeping it warm in an insulated carrier – an excellent option for potlucks or summer park meetups where everyone can enjoy a delicious shared meal.

Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Serve in a large communal dish with extra cheese on the side, allowing friends to scoop generous portions during sports events or casual get-togethers where hearty, flavorful food is welcomed.

Tips for Keeping Your Skillet Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days.
• Store the skillet meal in a sealed glass or plastic container to maintain its flavor and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Separate the dish into individual portions before storing to make reheating easier and faster.
• Avoid freezing this recipe as the sour cream and rice can change texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

• Is kielbasa already cooked when I buy it?

Yes, kielbasa is a precooked sausage, so it just needs to be heated through and browned for extra flavor.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and can save you prep time. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the skillet.

• What if I don't have chicken broth?

You can substitute with water or vegetable broth. Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor, but other liquids will work in a pinch.

• 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 dish.

Hearty Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty kielbasa rice and broccoli skillet delivers comfort on a plate for hungry families. Polish-inspired one-pan meal combines smoky sausage, tender rice, and green vegetables in a quick, satisfying dinner you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle kielbasa in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes per side.
2. Incorporate diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, then add broccoli florets and simmer for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become tender-crisp.
4. Fold in cooked rice, stirring to combine with existing ingredients and create a uniform mixture.
5. Blend sour cream into the skillet, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
6. Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese into the mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
7. Season the skillet contents with salt, pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
8. Top the dish with remaining cheese, cover the skillet, and allow cheese to melt completely over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and cheese is perfectly melted.

Notes

• Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that cuts down on calories and fat.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gouda or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• For gluten-free needs, ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free and use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
• Fresh broccoli delivers the best texture and nutritional punch, but frozen works perfectly in a pinch when you’re short on time.

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Polish-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg