Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Looking for a hearty, easy-to-make dinner that packs flavor and nutrition in every bite? This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet recipe is the perfect one-pan meal you’ve been waiting for! It combines savory kielbasa, wholesome broccoli, and cheesy rice in a single skillet, making it a satisfying dinner for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, vegetables, and gooey cheese, this dish will leave your family asking for seconds. Keep reading for the full recipe, including ingredient lists, variations, cooking instructions, and tips on how to make this delicious meal.

What is Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet?

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is a flavorful, one-pot dinner that brings together juicy kielbasa sausage, tender broccoli, creamy rice, and a generous amount of melted cheese. It's a balanced meal featuring protein, carbs, and vegetables that’s cooked all in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze. Whether you need a simple dinner idea for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing recipe for family gatherings, this dish checks all the boxes.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown, depending on your preference)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (you can substitute with vegetable broth if preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (you can also use a mix of cheeses for more flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little kick)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Additional Ingredients List for Enhanced Flavor

• ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese for added creaminess (optional)
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese for extra cheesy goodness
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard to enhance the flavor profile
• A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is highly versatile. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Kielbasa Substitutes: If you don’t have kielbasa, you can swap it with other types of sausage like smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the sausage altogether or use plant-based sausage alternatives.
• Rice Options: White rice cooks faster and gives a fluffier texture, while brown rice is heartier and more nutritious. You can also use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
• Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar would work well in this recipe. For an extra creamy version, add a little cream cheese.
• Broccoli Variations: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can use other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, peas, or bell peppers. Frozen vegetables work too, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Gluten-Free Option: This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausages and broth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

• Start by chopping the kielbasa sausage into thin rounds. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Kielbasa

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the kielbasa slices and cook until they are browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits left from the kielbasa as these will add flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

• Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Let the rice toast for 1-2 minutes before adding the chicken broth. Once the broth is added, stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer with Broccoli

• Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet, stir to combine, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Add the Kielbasa and Cheese

• Once the rice is done, stir the cooked kielbasa back into the skillet. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until the cheese is fully melted and creamy. If you're using optional ingredients like sour cream or parmesan, add them now.

Step 7: Season and Serve

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Garnish with chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not toasting the rice: Toasting the rice in the skillet before adding liquid enhances its flavor and gives the dish a more robust taste. Skipping this step can result in a bland dish.
• Overcooking the broccoli: To maintain the broccoli’s bright green color and slightly firm texture, don’t overcook it. Add it in with enough time to steam but not turn mushy.
• Not stirring enough: During the simmering process, it’s important to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
• Using too much cheese: While this is a cheesy dish, too much cheese can overpower the other flavors. Stick to the recommended amount, or adjust slowly based on taste.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet even more appetizing, try some of these serving and presentation ideas:

How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

• In the Skillet: Serve it straight from the skillet to keep it rustic and casual. You can place the skillet on a trivet in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in family-style.
• In Bowls: Scoop portions into individual bowls for a more plated and polished look. Garnish each bowl with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

• Cheese Pull Shots: If you want to impress guests (or social media followers), serve the dish with some extra melted cheese on top and take a shot of the cheesy goodness as it pulls away.
• Color Contrast: Serve with a side of bright green vegetables like steamed asparagus or a colorful mixed salad for a beautiful contrast against the cheesy rice and sausage.

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Recipe Tips

• Broil for a Crispy Top: If you like a crispy, bubbly cheese topping, pop the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
• Add Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in some sour cream, heavy cream, or cream cheese right before serving.
• Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes! You can use frozen broccoli in place of fresh, but be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water to avoid making the dish too watery.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. This skillet reheats well and can be made ahead of time for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.

Q: How can I make this dish lower in calories?
A: To reduce the calorie count, use turkey kielbasa, swap out regular cheese for a low-fat version, and consider using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Sauté the sausage, onion, and garlic first, then add the rice, broccoli, and broth. Cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes, then stir in the cheese after cooking.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is a quick, comforting, and delicious dinner option that will surely become a staple in your meal rotation. It's a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're serving this on a busy weeknight or as part of your weekend comfort food menu, it delivers on both flavor and convenience. Give it a try today and make dinner easy and delicious!

Print