As soon as this recipe caught my eye, I knew I had to try it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This Cheesy Sausage and Rice dish is absolutely delicious—a comforting, one-pan meal that brings back fond memories of family gatherings on our Midwestern farm. My grandmother would often whip this dish together with ingredients we had on hand, feeding a crowd after a long day of work with its warm, hearty flavors.
The combination of savory sausage, creamy melted cheese, and tender rice creates a dish that is simple yet rich in flavor. It’s a go-to recipe when you’re seeking warmth, nostalgia, and a satisfying meal all in one bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe
Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is creamy, cheesy, and filled with flavorful sausage—everything you need for the ultimate comfort meal.
Easy to Make: A one-skillet recipe that comes together in less than 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Versatile and Adaptable: Swap ingredients, add extra veggies, or turn up the heat to make this dish your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s filling and satisfying, great for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound of sausage, crumbled: The key to a flavorful base. Use your favorite sausage—mild, hot, or smoked.
1 cup of uncooked white rice: Absorbs all the delicious flavors in the skillet.
2 cups of chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to cook the rice.
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, adding creamy, cheesy goodness.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
1 bell pepper, diced: Provides a pop of color and a mild, sweet flavor.
2 cloves of garlic, minced: Adds a subtle, aromatic kick.
1 can of diced tomatoes, drained: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
1 teaspoon of paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Sausage Substitutes: Use hot sausage for a spicier kick, or smoked sausage for an added layer of smoky flavor. Turkey sausage or plant-based sausage are great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Rice Alternatives: Substitute brown rice for a healthier option, but note that it may take longer to cook. Jasmine or basmati rice adds a fragrant touch.
Additional Vegetables: Add peas, corn, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and variety.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce for extra depth and spice.
Instructions: How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Rice
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving a bit of the fat behind for flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, and sauté over medium heat until they become tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors from the skillet for 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.
Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Season and Simmer: Return the sausage to the skillet, sprinkle in the paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the cooked mixture, then cover the skillet again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt completely.
Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to mix the melted cheese throughout the dish, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Sausage and Rice dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to complement and balance its richness:
Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the skillet.
Simple Fruit Dessert: A fruit cobbler or a bowl of fresh berries makes a light, sweet finish to the meal.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Creative Variations
Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce for a spicier version.
Loaded Veggie: Mix in additional vegetables like peas, corn, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley to enhance the flavors.
Cajun Style: Swap the paprika for Cajun seasoning and add smoked sausage, bell peppers, and okra for a Louisiana-inspired twist.
Creamy Version: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
Final Note
This Cheesy Sausage and Rice dish is the epitome of comfort food—warm, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s a versatile and easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or when you need a little taste of home. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious combination of sausage, cheese, and rice that’s sure to bring smiles and compliments to your table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite!
Cheesy Sausage and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage crumbled
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes drained
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook and crumble the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage, leaving a bit of the fat in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, letting it absorb the flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Return the sausage to the skillet, sprinkle in the paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and cover the skillet again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.