Name: Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet – Easy Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 (14 oz) package kielbasa sausage, sliced; 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is the perfect choice for easy recipes for dinner. Packed with hearty kielbasa, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese, this one-pan meal is the definition of comfort food. Whether you’re craving quick and easy recipes or a cheesey potatoes easy recipe alternative, this skillet has you covered. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and brings the whole family to the table with its savory flavors. If you love easy recipes with ground beef or bread easy recipes, this dish will fit right into your weekly rotation. Inspired by air fryer easy recipes and sweet easy recipes, it’s a flavorful fusion that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
4) How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
6) Making Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

What makes kielbasa and rice such a comforting dinner combo?
Can I substitute the kielbasa with other sausages or proteins?
What cheeses work best in a skillet meal like this?
How can I prep this dish for quick weeknight meals?

2) Easy Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Recipe

This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet recipe is the kind of dish that solves weeknight dinner stress in the most delicious way possible. It’s quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and bursting with creamy, savory flavor. As part of our go-to collection of easy recipes for dinner, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, which is perfect when time is tight. With hearty kielbasa, fluffy white rice, and crisp-tender broccoli folded together in a creamy cheese sauce.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

Olive Oil: Used to sauté the kielbasa to a perfect golden brown, giving the dish its foundational flavor. A light coating helps bring out the natural oils in the sausage while keeping things non-stick and savory.

Kielbasa Sausage: Smoked kielbasa adds robust, savory flavor to every bite. Slice it into rounds so it cooks evenly and gets those tasty browned edges. You can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter take.

Cooked White Rice: The base of the skillet, white rice soaks up all the cheesy, creamy goodness and gives the dish body and texture. Make sure it’s cooked and cooled before adding to prevent mushiness.

Broccoli Florets: Adds color, crunch, and nutrition. Steaming the broccoli beforehand ensures it’s tender enough to blend into the dish without becoming soggy. You can also try frozen broccoli, just thaw and drain it well.

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is where the magic happens! Cheddar brings creaminess, flavor, and that stretchy, gooey element everyone loves in cheesy dinners. Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella if desired.

Sour Cream: Brings a tangy richness that balances the saltiness of the sausage and the sharpness of the cheddar. It also adds body to the cheese sauce and makes everything silky smooth.

Milk: Helps thin the sauce just enough to coat everything evenly. Use whole milk for richness or any alternative you prefer. It works alongside sour cream to achieve the perfect texture.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples enhance the dish’s overall depth and flavor. They blend beautifully with the cheese and kielbasa, giving the skillet meal that homemade comfort taste.

Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. Start light and build up. Remember, cheese and sausage already add saltiness, so taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning.

4) How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

Step 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced kielbasa in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden sear, then flip and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until browned on both sides.

Step 2. Add the cooked white rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the kielbasa. Allow the rice to warm through, gently stirring to distribute the sausage flavor evenly throughout. You’ll start seeing crispy bits, which add texture and taste.

Step 3. Fold in the steamed broccoli and season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure every bite is seasoned. This is when your quick and easy recipes strategy truly shines—minimal effort, maximum reward.

Step 4. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and milk until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir to coat everything. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 3 minutes to let the sauce meld and thicken slightly.

Step 5. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. If needed, cover the skillet for a minute to encourage even melting. Once everything is hot and cheesy, give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly. Garnish with additional cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. Pair this with a slice of garlic bread and you’ve got a winning cheesey potatoes easy recipe-style meal—no oven required!

5) Tips for Making Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

Use leftover rice. This recipe is ideal for repurposing rice from last night’s dinner. Using slightly dried-out rice helps keep the texture just right, avoiding a gummy or soggy skillet. When you’re short on time, that’s what makes this one of the best easy recipes for dinner.

Choose a quality kielbasa. Look for smoked sausage with minimal fillers and preservatives. You’ll taste the difference, especially when the sausage is the star ingredient in this one-skillet wonder.

Don’t overcook the broccoli. Light steaming or quick microwave blanching is perfect to maintain a slight crunch. If your broccoli is overcooked before hitting the skillet, it can turn mushy during reheating.

Add your spin. You can toss in some red bell peppers, peas, or even switch out rice for orzo. Even those following easy recipes with ground beef might love trying a new protein in this dish!

6) Making Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet Ahead of Time

This skillet dish is a lifesaver when it comes to meal prepping. You can make the entire dish ahead and simply reheat it for dinner later in the week. Prepare as directed, allow it to cool, and then store in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. The flavors actually deepen and improve over time, making it an ideal pick for busy families or anyone prepping dinners in advance.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

To store leftovers, transfer the skillet meal to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to four days. When reheating, add a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. This also makes the leftovers taste freshly made! Avoid freezing, as the sour cream and cheese can separate during thawing. This is one of those bread easy recipes-type dishes that stays satisfying even on day three, especially when served with toast or a biscuit on the side.

8) Try these Dinners next!

9) Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet