If you’re craving a quick, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor, the Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe is your new go-to. This dish masterfully combines smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet corn all cooked together with tender rice, creating a comforting one-pan wonder that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly seasoned with paprika and garlic powder, it delivers a beautiful balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Whether you’re feeding a family or whipping up a midweek dinner, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring a harmony of textures, colors, and robust flavors to your skillet. From the smoky richness of the kielbasa to the subtle sweetness of fresh corn, every component plays a vital role.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil: The perfect amount to sauté ingredients without making the dish greasy.
- 1 pound smoked sausage (cut into 1/2 inch rounds): Provides the signature smoky and hearty flavor that’s the star of the dish.
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 medium): Adds a sweet, aromatic undertone that enhances every bite.
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced, about 2/3 cup): Brings vibrant color and a subtle crisp sweetness; green pepper works too if preferred.
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh): Offers a juicy pop of sweetness and texture contrast.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Deepens the flavor with rich umami and slight acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory taste with its warm, aromatic kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and a beautiful reddish hue.
- 2 cups instant rice: The quick-cooking base that absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and infuses it with savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning just right and tying every ingredient together.
How to Make Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Kielbasa and Vegetables
Start by heating oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. As these cook, you’ll see the kielbasa start to brown and the vegetables soften, releasing their natural sweetness and aromas. This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish. Don’t rush it—those golden bits bring a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 2: Add Corn and Seasonings
Once the sausage and veggies have a bit of color, reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the corn kernels, tomato paste, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture sizzles briefly, letting the tomato paste caramelize slightly and the spices bloom, enhancing every bite with deeper complexity. Give it about a minute, and your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Stir in Rice and Broth
Now, sprinkle in the instant rice, stirring it through the savory mixture so each grain gets coated with flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. This is where the rice begins to soak up all those vibrant, smoky, and tangy flavors, setting up perfectly tender grains.
Step 4: Simmer and Season
Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook until the rice absorbs the broth and everything thickens into a comforting, cohesive skillet meal. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Once the rice is tender, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you want, sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh herbs to add a final touch of brightness and freshness.
How to Serve Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
This hearty skillet shines brightest when accented with simple garnishes like chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or cilantro. These fresh touches brighten up the smoky, rich flavors and add a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe stands on its own as a full meal, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies complements the warmth and heft of the kielbasa and rice beautifully. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also excellent options if you want to soak up every bit of that tasty sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like getting creative? Serve this skillet dish in small cast iron skillets for an eye-catching presentation, or spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a creative twist. You could even top it with a fried egg for brunch or add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just make sure it cools before sealing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge to avoid mushy rice and help retain its tasty texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out. Alternatively, microwave it covered, stirring halfway through heating to warm it evenly. The flavors remain just as vibrant, making for a perfect quick meal any time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked kielbasa is traditional, you can swap in other smoked sausages, chorizo, or even spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. Just be mindful of saltiness and spice levels to balance the dish.
Is it necessary to use instant rice for this recipe?
Instant rice works best here because it cooks quickly in the skillet without becoming mushy. If you only have regular rice, you’ll need to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly, or cook it separately and add it later.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the kielbasa with smoked tofu or a plant-based sausage alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still get a satisfying, flavorful skillet meal.
What can I do if I don’t have tomato paste?
If you’re out of tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce or even a bit of ketchup in a pinch. Just reduce the quantity and keep an eye on sweetness since tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickness.
How spicy is this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe?
The recipe itself is mild and smoky, thanks to the paprika and garlic powder. You can easily adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of spice.
Final Thoughts
If you want an uncomplicated, flavor-packed dinner that comes together swiftly and pleases everyone at the table, this Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe is a must-try. Its smoky sausage, vibrant veggies, and tender rice combine for a cozy, comforting meal that you’ll find yourself making again and again. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every delicious bite!
Print
Kielbasa and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Kielbasa and Rice Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal featuring smoky kielbasa sausage, colorful bell peppers, sweet corn, and hearty instant rice simmered in a savory tomato and paprika broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Skillet Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 medium)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 2/3 cup; or green bell pepper or a mix)
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 2 cups instant rice
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat and Brown: Heat oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kielbasa is starting to brown and the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Corn and Seasonings: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the corn kernels, tomato paste, garlic powder, and ground paprika. Cook for one more minute to blend the flavors and lightly toast the spices.
- Incorporate Rice and Broth: Stir the instant rice into the skillet to coat it with the flavor base. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and mix thoroughly. Increase heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Covered: Once boiling, reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the rice absorbs the liquid and the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or fresh herbs for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute the smoked sausage with kielbasa or any smoked or spicy sausage of your choice.
- Instant rice speeds up cooking, but regular rice can be used—adjust broth and cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro right before serving for extra flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
