Looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious one-pan meal that your whole family will love? Look no further than this Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Recipe! This comforting dish combines smoky kielbasa sausage, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melted cheese for a meal that’s hearty and flavorful. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast dinner but don’t want to sacrifice taste. Read on to find out how you can whip up this savory and cheesy skillet meal, step-by-step!
What is "Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet"?
Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that combines a few pantry staples into a meal that delivers maximum satisfaction. The star ingredients in this dish are kielbasa sausage, rice, broccoli, and cheese. Kielbasa, a type of Polish sausage, brings a smoky, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy, creamy rice and broccoli. The best part? You can make everything in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup time. This dish is sure to become one of your go-to family meals.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you'll need to create this delicious Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14 oz) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, if fresh isn’t available)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
This dish is incredibly versatile, and there are several substitutions and variations you can try based on your preferences and dietary needs:
- Rice: Instead of white rice, you can substitute brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want to make a low-carb version.
- Kielbasa: While kielbasa gives this dish its signature smoky flavor, feel free to use other types of sausage like chorizo, andouille, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the dish, but you can use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for some extra spice.
- Broccoli: If you're not a fan of broccoli, try substituting with other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Milk: The milk makes the dish extra creamy, but you can skip it or substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's walk through the cooking process step by step. The best part of this recipe is that it all comes together in one skillet, which means less mess and more flavor. Ready? Let’s start cooking!
How to Cook Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sauté the Kielbasa and Onion
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Toast the Rice
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir it around to coat the grains in oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors and develop a slightly nutty aroma.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cook the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
While the rice is cooking, steam or microwave the broccoli florets until just tender. You want the broccoli to retain a slight crunch, as it will cook further when added to the skillet.
Step 5: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Once the rice is cooked, return the kielbasa to the skillet and add the cooked broccoli. Stir everything together. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture, then cover the skillet again and allow the cheese to melt, about 3-5 minutes. For a creamier dish, stir in ½ cup of milk before adding the cheese.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Your Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is now ready to serve!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is fairly straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Be sure to cook the broccoli until it’s just tender. Overcooking will result in mushy broccoli, which can negatively affect the texture of the dish.
- Using Too Much Liquid: Be mindful of the amount of broth you use. Too much liquid will result in soggy rice, so stick to the recipe’s suggested measurements.
- Skipping the Toasting Step: Toasting the rice may seem like an unnecessary step, but it helps to enhance the flavor and improve the texture of the final dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet even more appealing, here are a few tips for serving and presentation:
- Family Style: Serve directly from the skillet at the center of the table for a rustic, family-style dinner.
- Portion Out: Scoop individual servings onto plates or into shallow bowls, and sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a decadent finishing touch.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you're looking to round out the meal, consider serving it with a side salad, some crusty bread, or even a fruit salad for a touch of sweetness. The smoky and cheesy flavors pair well with light, fresh sides that balance the richness of the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
Want to make this skillet meal look extra special? Here are some presentation ideas:
- Cast Iron Skillet: Serve the meal in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic and homey look.
- Individual Mini Skillets: For a fun twist, serve the dish in individual mini skillets to make everyone feel like they have their own personal serving.
- Cheese Crust: Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top and pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes to create a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy nights, you can slice the kielbasa and chop the broccoli in advance.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for future meals. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, feel free to swap out the kielbasa for other sausages like smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the kielbasa and replace it with a vegetarian sausage or extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the skillet.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Sure! While cheddar is classic, you can try using mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Recipe is the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With its smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and tender veggies, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With a little bit of prep and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a meal that everyone will ask for again and again. So go ahead—grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness of this flavorful recipe tonight!
PrintCheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe
This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet recipe is a savory one-pan meal with kielbasa sausage, cheesy rice, and broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 5 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, and cover until cheese melts.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier version.
- For extra veggies, add bell peppers or carrots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980 mg
Leave a Reply