Kielbasa Rice Skillet: Delicious 30-Min Fix

Kielbasa Rice Skillet has become my go-to for those nights when I need a delicious meal on the table fast. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday; the kids were starving, and I had zero inspiration. I rummaged through my fridge and found some leftover kielbasa and a box of instant rice. What emerged was pure magic – a savory, comforting dish that smelled incredible. This kielbasa and rice skillet recipe is so simple, yet it delivers such satisfying flavor. It’s truly an easy kielbasa rice dinner that I can whip up in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Kielbasa Rice Skillet

• Incredibly delicious flavor with smoky sausage and perfectly cooked rice.
• Super speedy prep time – ready in just 30 minutes!
• A balanced meal that’s surprisingly healthy for a weeknight staple.
• Budget-friendly ingredients make it easy on your wallet.
• The ultimate family-friendly meal that even picky eaters adore.
• It’s a true one-pan kielbasa and rice wonder, meaning less cleanup.
• You get a satisfying kielbasa and rice one pot meal that feels like a treat.

Ingredients for Kielbasa Rice Skillet

Putting together this amazing one-pan kielbasa and rice is a breeze with these simple ingredients. For this smoked sausage rice skillet, you’ll need:

• 1 pound smoked sausage – sliced into ½ inch thick rounds
• 2 cups instant rice – the quick-cooking kind is key for speed
• 2 cups water – the base for perfectly fluffy rice
• 1 cup frozen peas – adds a pop of color and sweetness
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – for a tangy kick that complements the sausage
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onions – adds onion flavor without chopping
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – essential for savory depth
• ½ teaspoon paprika – for a hint of smoky sweetness
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – a touch of warmth
• ½ teaspoon sea salt – to enhance all the flavors

How to Make Kielbasa Rice Skillet

Whipping up this kielbasa and rice one pot meal is incredibly straightforward. You’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!

1. Step 1: First, grab your favorite large skillet. I like to use one with a lid for this recipe. Cut 1 pound of smoked sausage into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the sausage in the skillet over medium heat and cook until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. This browning step really brings out the smoky flavor.
2. Step 2: Once the sausage is browned, add the rest of the ingredients directly into the skillet with the sausage. This includes 2 cups of water, 2 cups of instant rice, 1 cup of frozen peas, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of dried minced onions, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Give everything a good stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Watch as the liquid starts to bubble – it smells amazing already! This step helps to get the instant rice cooking quickly.
4. Step 4: As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer. You’ll want to let this kielbasa and rice one pot meal cook for about 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often!
5. Step 5: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed, creating a wonderful kielbasa and rice one pot meal. Give it a final stir to fluff up the rice and ensure everything is evenly heated. Serve immediately and enjoy this simple kielbasa rice skillet!

Pro Tips for the Best Kielbasa Rice Skillet

Want to elevate your kielbasa and rice skillet from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference for this one-pan kielbasa and rice.

• Don’t skip browning the sausage! Getting a nice sear on the kielbasa adds a depth of smoky flavor that’s crucial for a truly savory kielbasa rice skillet.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables. Bell peppers, corn, or even chopped broccoli work wonderfully in this kielbasa rice skillet with vegetables.
• For an extra kick, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings in Step 2.
• Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining moisture.

What’s the secret to perfect Kielbasa Rice Skillet?

The secret to a perfect kielbasa rice skillet lies in browning the sausage well and using instant rice for quick, fluffy results. Don’t overcook the rice, or it can get mushy! For more quick meal ideas, check out these delicious recipes.

Can I make Kielbasa Rice Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare this kielbasa rice skillet ahead of time before cooking. Assemble all the ingredients in the skillet (except the water), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add the water and proceed with the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the simmering time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Kielbasa Rice Skillet?

A common pitfall is using the wrong type of rice; always use instant rice for this recipe. Also, be careful not to lift the lid too often during simmering, as this releases steam and can prevent the rice from cooking properly. For more cooking tips, you might find this guide on how to cook rice helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Kielbasa Rice Skillet

This kielbasa rice skillet is a complete meal on its own, but I love to serve it with a few simple additions to make it even more special. For a really satisfying dinner, try pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli. If you’re looking to boost the veggie content, this kielbasa rice skillet with vegetables is fantastic – just add some sautéed bell peppers or corn right into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s so versatile! You might also enjoy our Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole for another quick weeknight meal.

Nutrition Facts for Kielbasa Rice Skillet

When you’re enjoying a hearty bowl of this kielbasa rice skillet, here’s a breakdown of what you’re getting per serving. This easy kielbasa rice dinner is packed with flavor and provides a good balance of nutrients.

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Kielbasa Rice Skillet

This kielbasa rice skillet is a fantastic meal prep option, making it an ideal easy kielbasa rice dinner for busy weeks. Once cooked, allow the dish to cool completely on the counter for about an hour. This is important to prevent condensation that can make the leftovers soggy. Then, transfer the kielbasa and rice mixture into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this kielbasa and rice one pot meal freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can stay frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you have a few great options. For a quick microwave reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over it, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer a stovetop method, gently heat it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps revive the texture wonderfully. For more meal prep ideas, consider our Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kielbasa Rice Skillet

How do I make kielbasa rice skillet with bell peppers?

To add bell peppers to your kielbasa rice skillet, simply dice one bell pepper (any color works great!) and sauté it with the smoked sausage in Step 1 of the recipe. This adds a lovely sweetness and a bit more color to the dish. The peppers will soften nicely as the rice cooks.

What kind of sausage is best for a kielbasa rice skillet?

While kielbasa is traditional and delicious, you can use other smoked sausages too! An andouille sausage rice skillet offers a spicier kick, or you could try a smoked chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked and smoky for the best flavor in your one-pan kielbasa and rice.

Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice in my kielbasa and rice one pot meal?

You can, but it will change the cooking time significantly. Brown rice takes much longer to cook and requires more liquid. If you want to use brown rice, I’d recommend cooking it separately according to package directions before adding it to the skillet with the browned sausage and other ingredients. This way, you ensure perfectly cooked rice without affecting the sausage or peas. For other rice dishes, explore our Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

How do I make my kielbasa rice skillet extra savory?

For an extra savory kielbasa rice skillet, I like to add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce along with the other liquids in Step 2. You can also amp up the garlic and onion flavors by using fresh garlic and onions instead of powders, sautéing them with the sausage until fragrant.

Variations of Kielbasa Rice Skillet You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic kielbasa rice skillet, don’t be afraid to get creative! This dish is incredibly adaptable. For a heartier meal, try a kielbasa rice skillet with bell peppers and onions; simply sauté them with the sausage in Step 1 until tender-crisp. If you love earthy flavors, a kielbasa rice skillet with mushrooms is fantastic – just add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the sausage and cook until browned. For a spicier kick, swap out the regular kielbasa for andouille sausage, making it an andouille sausage rice skillet. You could even try a low-carb version by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a lighter, gluten-free meal. If you’re looking for more unique flavor combinations, consider our Persian Chicken Recipe.

Print