If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and satisfies every time, you have to try this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s a vibrant, one-pan wonder that combines smoky sausage, tender rice, and colorful veggies in a comforting embrace of spices and tomato paste. No complicated techniques here — just simple ingredients that come alive with each easy step, making this dish a go-to weeknight favorite that warms both the stomach and the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe lies in its straightforward, accessible ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the smoky kielbasa brings richness, the fresh veggies add crunch and color, and the instant rice keeps things quick without sacrificing texture. Together, they create a satisfying balance that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your taste buds.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil: Choose a neutral oil for sautéing to keep flavors balanced.
- 1 pound smoked sausage: Cut into 1/2 inch rounds for smoky flavor and hearty bites.
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked.
- 1 medium red bell pepper: Diced, it provides vibrant color and a gentle crunch; green bell pepper is a great swap if preferred.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Frozen, canned, or fresh—all work to add a touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers warm, garlicky notes without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika: Lends a smoky undertone and a lovely hue to the skillet.
- 2 cups instant rice: Cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors around it.
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and infuses the rice with savory goodness.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other elements perfectly.
How to Make Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa and Veggies
Start by heating your oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage along with the yellow onion and diced bell pepper. Cook everything together until the kielbasa starts to brown and the onions become translucent, letting those irresistible scents fill your kitchen and building the foundation for a flavorful meal.
Step 2: Add Corn and Seasonings
Next, reduce the heat slightly to medium and stir in the corn kernels, tomato paste, garlic powder, and ground paprika. Cook for about a minute, stirring regularly so the tomato paste blends into the veggies and sausage, creating a rich base that will carry the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Mix in Rice and Broth
It’s time to add the instant rice to the skillet. Stir it in thoroughly, making sure every grain is coated with that savory mix. Then pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil—this broth will infuse each rice grain with flavor while helping everything meld beautifully together.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth, with the sauce thickening slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check seasoning near the end, adding salt and pepper to suit your palate. This simmering step turns simple ingredients into a comforting harmony.
How to Serve Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is delicious on its own, a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color that elevates every bite. These bright garnishes balance the hearty sausage and savory rice, enhancing the overall experience.
Side Dishes
If you’re looking to round out your meal, light, crisp sides like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables complement the dish nicely without overwhelming its bold flavors. Alternatively, warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce lingering on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic feel, or spoon it into colorful bowls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It also makes a fantastic filling for stuffed bell peppers when baked with some melted cheese for a hearty presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it just as delightful the next day when you’re ready for a quick meal.
Freezing
If you want to store it for longer, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently either in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the dish and keep the rice moist during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the kielbasa for any smoked or cooked sausage you like. Andouille, chorizo, or even bratwurst are excellent alternatives that will bring their own unique flavors to the dish.
Is instant rice necessary, or can I use regular rice?
Instant rice is recommended for quick cooking and convenience here, but you can use regular rice if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through properly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños when you add the bell peppers or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika for a smoky, spicy kick.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure the sausage and chicken broth you use are certified gluten-free, as some brands may have additives containing gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I add to make this recipe more vegetable-packed?
Feel free to toss in chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms along with the bell peppers and corn to boost the veggie content. They’ll blend seamlessly and add even more texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly comforting. I encourage you to dive right in and make it part of your regular rotation; it’s the kind of dish that invites you back for seconds every time. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Kielbasa and Rice Skillet is a quick, hearty one-pan meal featuring smoky kielbasa sausage, colorful bell peppers, and sweet corn, all cooked together with instant rice in a flavorful tomato and paprika sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines ease and comfort in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 medium)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 2/3 cup; you can also use green bell pepper if you prefer, or a mix)
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 2 cups instant rice
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat and Brown the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook them until they start to brown and develop color, infusing the oil with their flavors.
- Add Corn and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the corn kernels, tomato paste, garlic powder, and ground paprika. Cook for about one more minute, allowing the tomato paste and spices to blend with the vegetables and sausage.
- Mix in Rice and Broth: Stir in the instant rice thoroughly, combining it with the sausage and vegetables. Then, pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Increase the heat back to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Until Rice is Cooked: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook until the rice is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute green bell pepper for the red, or use a combination for a different flavor profile.
- Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish, allowing you to adjust seasoning to taste.
- Instant rice cooks quickly, making this dish ready in about 30 minutes total.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
