Here’s a comforting, hearty Cheesy Sausage and Rice dish — creamy, savory, and ready in about 30 minutes 🧀🌭🍚
🧀 Cheesy Sausage and Rice
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa, andouille, or similar), sliced into rounds
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the sausage
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add sausage and cook 3–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside. - Sauté vegetables
In the same pan, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and paprika; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. - Cook the rice
Stir in uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. - Combine & melt cheese
Stir cooked sausage back into the rice.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. - Serve
Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm as a main dish.
Tips & Variations
- Swap smoked sausage for ground sausage or chicken sausage.
- Add frozen peas or corn for extra veggies.
- For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup cream or cream cheese.
- Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne.
If you like, I can also give you a one-pot baked version that comes out golden and bubbly on top.
