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
Scale
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.
