Description

This is comfort food that doesn’t mess around. We’re talking smoky, savory sausage mixed with perfectly fluffy rice, loads of melted cheese, and enough flavor to make you forget you’re eating something that costs less than $10 to feed the whole family. It’s like a warm hug in a skillet, but with way more cheese and significantly more sausage.

This is the kind of one-pan wonder that saves your sanity on busy weeknights when everyone’s hangry and you need something satisfying on the table ASAP. My picky eater nephew cleaned his plate and asked if we could have it “like, every day.” And honestly? With how easy this is, we totally could. It’s basically the ultimate “throw everything in a pan and magic happens” recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

1 lb smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), sliced into coins
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (don’t use instant – we’re not savages)
1 large onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (red or green, whatever you’ve got)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cups chicken broth (low sodium so you control the salt situation)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp smoked paprika (this is where the magic lives)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional but recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Finish:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (freshly grated hits different)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 green onions, chopped
Fresh parsley for garnish (because we’re classy)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown That Sausage

Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy on both sides (about 5-6 minutes).

The sausage will release some of its delicious fat – that’s flavor gold, don’t drain it.

Remove sausage to a plate but leave all those beautiful drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add olive oil to the same pan if needed (you might not need it thanks to that sausage fat).

Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and cook for another minute until it smells incredible.

Step 3: Rice Gets Its Moment

Add the rice to the pan and stir it around for 2-3 minutes until it’s lightly toasted and coated with all that good stuff.

This step is key – it keeps the rice from getting mushy and adds extra flavor.

Step 4: The Liquid Magic

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, and cayenne.

Give it a good stir and bring to a boil.

Add the sausage back to the party, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.

Don’t lift that lid! Rice needs to steam properly to get fluffy.

Step 5: Cheese Makes Everything Better

Once the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, remove from heat.

Let it sit covered for 5 minutes (patience, grasshopper).

Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

Cover again for 2-3 minutes to let that cheese get all melty and gorgeous.

Step 6: Serve and Accept the Applause

Fluff gently with a fork, mixing in some of that melted cheese.

Top with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.

Serve straight from the skillet because why dirty more dishes?

Notes

Perfect with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli
Great alongside some crusty bread for soaking up every bit
Pairs beautifully with a cold beer or sweet tea
Add some hot sauce on the side for the heat lovers

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~445 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~43g
Protein: ~18g