Indulge in the comforting flavors of a one-pan cheesy sausage and rice dish that promises to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, yet easy-to-make meal. Bursting with the savory goodness of smoked sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy cheese, this skillet creation is bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe offers a delicious solution for those seeking a hassle-free yet delicious dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, sliced into 4 pats
- Parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a 15-inch oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage slices and sear until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove skillet from heat. Add onion, green and red bell peppers, garlic, rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, 1 cup of cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Top with butter slices and remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until cheese is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and adjust salt to taste.
Tips:
- Experiment with different types of sausage for varied flavors.
- For a spicier kick, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
- Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or additional cheese varieties.
- Make sure to tightly cover the skillet with foil to prevent the rice from drying out during baking.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Conclusion:
With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a scrumptious one-pan cheesy sausage and rice meal that delivers on both taste and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this comforting skillet dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So, grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary experience that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to devour.
- Can I Use Regular Rice Instead of Instant White Rice?
- Yes, you can substitute regular rice for instant white rice in this recipe. However, be aware that the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. Instant rice cooks faster than regular rice, so if you choose to use regular rice, you may need to increase the baking time or precook the rice partially before adding it to the skillet. Additionally, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid (chicken broth) used in the recipe to ensure that the rice cooks properly and absorbs the flavors of the dish.
- Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time and Reheat It?
- While this cheesy sausage and rice dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can certainly make it ahead of time and reheat it later. To do so, prepare the recipe as instructed but stop before baking it in the oven. Instead, cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove the skillet from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off. Then, bake it in a preheated oven according to the recipe instructions. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly since the dish is starting from a cold temperature.
- Can I Freeze Leftovers of This Dish?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this cheesy sausage and rice dish for future meals. To freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely after baking. Then, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen dish overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors should remain delicious.
- Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
- Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan by making a few simple substitutions. For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked sausage or kielbasa and replace it with plant-based sausage or vegetarian protein options such as tofu or tempeh. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and choose a vegetarian-friendly cream of chicken soup or make your own homemade cream of chicken soup using vegetable-based ingredients. For a vegan version, follow the same substitutions as the vegetarian version but also ensure that the cheese used is dairy-free and suitable for vegan diets. With these adjustments, you can create a delicious vegetarian or vegan cheesy sausage and rice skillet that’s just as satisfying and flavorful as the original recipe.