Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup? This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is the perfect solution. Combining savory kielbasa sausage, tender broccoli, hearty rice, and a generous helping of melted cheese, this one-pan meal is as flavorful as it is simple. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something comforting, filling, and easy to throw together. Read on for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to make this mouthwatering skillet meal!
What Is Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet?
Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is a one-pan meal that combines slices of smoky kielbasa sausage with cooked rice, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a quick and easy dinner that offers a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one dish. The smoky flavor of the kielbasa pairs perfectly with the cheesy sauce, while the broccoli adds a nutritious and fresh touch. This dish is a great way to make a complete meal with minimal effort, and it's sure to be a hit with the entire family.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz kielbasa sausage (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is very flexible and can be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Kielbasa: You can use smoked sausage, chorizo, or even turkey kielbasa for a lighter option. Chicken sausage works as well for a healthier twist.
- Rice: You can swap white rice for brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa for added nutrition. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Broccoli: Frozen or fresh broccoli both work well in this dish. You can also substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
- Sour cream: If you prefer, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor and added protein.
- Spices: Add a dash of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a little cumin for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and flavorful Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet:
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the kielbasa: Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until it’s browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Cook the rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to coat the rice in the oil and sauté for about 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Add the broth and cook: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes (depending on the type of rice you’re using) until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Steam the broccoli: While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli. You can either steam it in the microwave or add the broccoli directly to the skillet for the last 5 minutes of cooking time so it steams with the rice.
- Add the sour cream and cheese: Once the rice is cooked and the broccoli is tender, stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese (if using). Mix well until the cheeses are melted and everything is creamy and well combined.
- Add the kielbasa back to the skillet: Return the browned kielbasa to the skillet and stir everything together. Taste and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Melt the cheese topping (optional): For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Cook Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of the steps to ensure your Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet turns out perfectly:
- Cook the kielbasa until browned and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic to build flavor, then toast the rice.
- Simmer the rice in broth, adding the broccoli toward the end to steam.
- Mix in the sour cream and cheese for creaminess, then stir in the cooked kielbasa.
- Top with extra cheese (if desired) and serve warm!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with an easy one-pan meal like this, there are a few common mistakes to look out for:
- Overcooking the rice: Make sure to simmer the rice on low heat and check it periodically to avoid overcooking or letting it stick to the pan.
- Adding broccoli too early: If you add the broccoli too early, it can become overcooked and mushy. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking or steam it separately.
- Not seasoning enough: Smoked kielbasa is flavorful, but don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning of the entire dish, especially after adding the cheese and sour cream.
- Too much liquid: Be careful not to add too much broth. The rice should absorb most of the liquid by the time it finishes cooking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it alongside a few complementary sides to round out the meal:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the top for added color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Serve with a simple side salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the cheesy skillet.
- Bread on the side: Pair the dish with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any cheesy sauce.
How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
This dish is a one-pan meal, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate it:
- Serve in the skillet: For a casual, rustic presentation, serve the dish straight from the skillet on the table.
- Garnish with herbs or extra cheese: Top each serving with a little extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs for a polished look.
- Individual bowls: Serve in individual bowls for easy portioning and a cozy feel.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
Even though this is a simple skillet meal, you can still make it look appealing with a few presentation tips:
- Use a cast iron skillet: Cooking and serving in a cast iron skillet gives the dish a rustic, homey feel and keeps it warm longer.
- Top with extra cheese and broil: After adding the cheese, pop the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to create a bubbly, golden top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley: The green contrast against the cheesy, golden rice adds a pop of color and makes the dish look fresher.
Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Recipe Tips
Here are some extra tips to make sure your Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet turns out great every time:
- Use leftover rice: If you have leftover rice, you can use it in this recipe. Just add it to the skillet after the onions and garlic have cooked and adjust the broth amount accordingly.
- Pre-cook the broccoli: If you prefer your broccoli more tender, you can steam it before adding it to the skillet so it’s perfectly cooked to your liking.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat in the skillet or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
- Freeze for later: This dish freezes well. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the skillet or microwave when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute broccoli with bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for different veggies.
Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: For a healthier version, use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice, turkey kielbasa instead of regular, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and requires only one pan for minimal cleanup. With smoky kielbasa, tender broccoli, and cheesy rice, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy. Plus, with so many customization options, you can make it your own by swapping ingredients to suit your tastes. Give this quick and hearty skillet meal a try, and enjoy a delicious, comforting dinner with minimal effort!
PrintCheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe
This cheesy kielbasa rice and broccoli skillet recipe is an easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. With smoky kielbasa sausage, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. A satisfying dinner the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Skillet
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder and steamed broccoli. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until everything is combined and heated through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or andouille for a spicier version.
- Use brown rice for a healthier option.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
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