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Weeknight • Pork

Cheesy Skillet Sausage and Rice

A hearty, cheesy skillet meal with savory sausage, tender rice, and a hidden veggie boost, all cooked in one pan.

Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Cheesy Skillet Sausage and Rice

Get ready for a new family favorite! This Cheesy Skillet Sausage and Rice is the kind of comforting, satisfying meal that makes busy weeknights feel easy. With flavorful sausage, tender rice, and plenty of melty cheese, it's a dish that cooks up in a single skillet and delivers on big flavor.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/Monterey Jack)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove sausage from skillet, set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring once or twice.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to low, return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stir gently, then cover tightly and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.

  5. Step 5

    Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

  6. Step 6

    Cover the skillet again (or place a lid on if it doesn't have one) for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. Alternatively, if your skillet is oven-safe, you can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt and lightly brown the cheese (watch carefully!).

  7. Step 7

    Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tips

  • For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
  • If you don't have an oven-safe skillet with a lid, you can transfer the rice mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking or broiling.
  • Leftovers store well and make a great packed lunch. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

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