Name: Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds; 1 small onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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There’s just something magical about a big, bubbling skillet of Cheesy Sausage and Rice — it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone rush to the table! This dish is loaded with smoky sausage, fluffy rice, sweet bell peppers, and a glorious blanket of gooey cheddar cheese. It all comes together in one pan, making your kitchen smell incredible and cleanup an absolute breeze. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, Cheesy Sausage and Rice is pure comfort food that never fails to deliver.

Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Cheesy Sausage and Rice is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every component brings something special: richness from the sausage, freshness from the veggies, and irresistible creaminess from the cheese.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
Smoked sausage: Choose your favorite variety; the smokiness is key to the dish’s bold flavor.
Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth, making every bite more savory.
Red bell pepper: Provides a pop of color and a sweet, mild crunch.
Garlic: Three cloves bring aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor.
Long-grain white rice: Uncooked rice soaks up all the flavors as it simmers.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness as it cooks.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a little tang, color, and just the right amount of gentle heat.
Paprika: For smokiness and a hint of earthy spice.
Dried oregano: Lends a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a touch of bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show, making the entire skillet creamy and irresistible.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced smoked sausage. Give it a good stir and let it sizzle for about 4 to 5 minutes until it develops deep, caramelized edges. This step is where a lot of the savory flavor begins, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Next, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Stir everything together, letting the veggies soften and soak up the sausage’s smoky flavor for about 3 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing at this point!

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You want the garlic to bloom in the hot oil without burning, so keep an eye (and nose) on it.

Step 4: Simmer the Rice Mixture

Now add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks, and cook until the rice is perfectly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Make It Cheesy

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as it melts into the rice, turning everything irresistibly creamy and cheesy. This is the moment when Cheesy Sausage and Rice transforms into pure comfort food bliss!

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. It adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a little extra flavor that brightens up the whole dish.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Garnishes

For a simple but lovely finishing touch, try topping your Cheesy Sausage and Rice with extra chopped parsley, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, or even an extra handful of shredded cheddar. A dash of hot sauce is perfect if you like a little more kick!

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet meal can easily stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or buttered corn on the cob. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Cheesy Sausage and Rice to the next level by serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or scoop it into baked bell pepper halves for a colorful twist. You can even turn leftovers into stuffed burritos or a cheesy casserole the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Sausage and Rice keeps really well in the fridge. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Cheesy Sausage and Rice, let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot and creamy. You can also warm larger amounts in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of sausage?

Absolutely! While smoked sausage is classic, you can use andouille for extra spice, chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even a plant-based sausage to make Cheesy Sausage and Rice vegetarian.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds for the cheddar. The result will be just as creamy and satisfying, making Cheesy Sausage and Rice a great choice for everyone.

What can I use instead of white rice?

You can swap in brown rice for extra fiber and a nutty flavor. Just remember to increase the cook time to about 40 minutes and add a bit more broth as needed.

Can I make Cheesy Sausage and Rice ahead of time?

Definitely! This dish is perfect for making a day ahead. Simply reheat gently and add a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture.

How do I make it extra creamy?

For an ultra-creamy version of Cheesy Sausage and Rice, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a few ounces of cream cheese along with the cheddar. It’s an easy upgrade that makes the dish even more decadent!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to please a crowd, Cheesy Sausage and Rice is the recipe to try next. I can’t wait for you to taste how all those flavors come together in one pan—let me know how you like it, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite at your table!

Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring smoky sausage, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Liquids

1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Spices and Cheese

1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and fragrant.
Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the aroma.
Add Rice and Liquids: Mix in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, paprika, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a few ounces of cream cheese after cooking.
You can substitute brown rice; however, increase the cooking time to about 40 minutes and add extra broth as needed.
This dish reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired