Zesty Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

My recent kielbasa adventure turned this humble skillet recipe into a quick weeknight sensation that satisfies hungry appetites.

Comfort meets convenience in one pan with minimal cleanup required.

Savory Polish sausage combines perfectly with tender rice and crisp green florets.

Melted cheese creates a creamy blanket over hearty ingredients that complement each other beautifully.

Bold flavors emerge from simple components, making meal preparation effortless and delicious.

Nutritious broccoli adds a green boost to this protein-packed dish.

Kielbasa Skillet – Tips For Even Cooking

• Swap kielbasa with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Cut broccoli florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and creates fluffy, separated grains in the final dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda to add complexity and personalize the flavor experience.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase the dish's nutritional content and create more color and texture variety.

Best Storage and Reheating Steps for Kielbasa Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm skillet over medium-low heat, add small splash of chicken broth or water. Stir gently to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat for 3-5 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
• Cheese might separate during reheating, so stir carefully and add extra cheese if desired for creamy consistency.

Kielbasa Rice Skillet Sides

• Opt for a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Malbec, which complements the smoky kielbasa and cuts through the rich, cheesy texture with its robust flavor profile.
• Toss a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the hearty skillet's richness, adding fresh acidity and providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Serve quick-pickled vegetables or traditional dill pickles on the side, delivering a sharp, acidic punch that brightens the meal and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Select a smooth amber ale or hoppy pale ale that matches the kielbasa's smoky notes and stands up to the dish's creamy, cheesy character, creating a delightful taste experience.

Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet with Cheesy Ideas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, keeping the same cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and add extra protein like diced chicken or additional cheese for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Include diced jalapeños, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so add an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth and increase the simmer time to 35-40 minutes.

• Is kielbasa too fatty for a healthy meal?

While kielbasa is a processed meat with higher fat content, this dish can be balanced by using lean kielbasa and adding plenty of vegetables like broccoli. You can also opt for turkey kielbasa to reduce fat content.

• What if I don't have chicken broth?

You can replace chicken broth with water, but the dish might lose some depth of flavor. Alternatively, use vegetable broth or a bouillon cube dissolved in water to maintain similar taste profiles.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add your favorite protein substitute for a similar hearty meal.

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Packs Flavor Quickly

• Savor Quick Weeknight Meal: Perfect for busy families looking to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like sausage or vegetables to match your family's preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this simple skillet recipe that combines protein, grains, and vegetables in a single dish.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Affordable ingredients create a hearty meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank, making it ideal for home cooks on a budget.

Key Mix For Kielbasa Rice Broccoli Skillet

• Kielbasa Sausage: Smoky, flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the skillet dish. Polish-style sausage works best, with a good balance of fat and spices.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid base for cooking rice and adding moisture to the dish. Low-sodium options allow better control of overall saltiness.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutrients and texture. Crisp, bright green florets are ideal for best flavor and appearance.

• White Rice, Brown Rice: Hearty base that absorbs flavors and provides filling substance. Brown rice offers more nutrition, while white rice cooks faster.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, sharp flavor to the entire skillet. Sharp or mild varieties both work well.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic seasoning that enhances overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings to balance and elevate the dish's flavors.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light, smooth cooking base. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.

Cooking Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in sliced kielbasa and cook until the edges turn golden brown and crispy, releasing a delightful smoky aroma.

Step 2: Introduce Broccoli and Garlic

Sprinkle garlic powder into the skillet and add broccoli florets.

Sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften slightly and absorb the savory flavors.

Step 3: Mix in Rice and Broth

Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the kielbasa and broccoli.

Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Steam

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice gently simmer.

Allow 15-20 minutes for the rice to cook completely and absorb all the delicious liquid.

Step 5: Melt and Blend Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and stir until it melts smoothly, creating a creamy and rich texture throughout the dish.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the skillet and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve piping hot, ready to delight your taste buds with a comforting and flavorful meal.

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty kielbasa rice and broccoli skillet delivers comfort in one satisfying pan, blending savory Polish sausage with tender rice and fresh green broccoli. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this meal welcomes hungry diners to savor a delicious, wholesome dinner that brings everyone to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) kielbasa sausage, sliced

Vegetables:

• 2 cups (280 grams) broccoli florets

Grains and Pantry Staples:

• 1 cup (185 grams) white or brown rice
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over moderate temperature, then introduce sliced kielbasa and sauté until edges turn golden and crisp.
2. Sprinkle garlic powder across the skillet and toss in broccoli florets, allowing them to become tender and slightly caramelized for approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice into the skillet, stirring to coat grains with existing flavors, then pour chicken broth evenly across the mixture.
4. Elevate heat momentarily to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce temperature to minimal setting, creating a gentle simmer and covering the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Allow the mixture to gently cook for 15-20 minutes, ensuring rice absorbs liquid completely and develops a fluffy texture while kielbasa and broccoli infuse their essence throughout.
6. Once cooking completes, remove skillet from heat source and generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, gently folding until cheese melts smoothly and creates a creamy coating.
7. Finalize the dish by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors as desired before serving the skillet hot and directly from the pan.

Notes

• Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Enhance vegetable variety by mixing in cauliflower or adding diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• Quick-freeze leftover portions in individual containers for convenient meal prep, ensuring a delicious ready-to-heat lunch during busy weeks.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost fiber content and create a more wholesome, nutrient-dense one-pan meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 70mg