Cheesy Sausage and Rice is a comforting one-pan dish made with white rice, onions, bell peppers, smoked sausage, and cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on cool nights, as it is satisfying, filling, and feeds an entire family. Serve it with some breadsticks or a side of green beans for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

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 (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, sliced into 4 pats

• Parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Add olive oil to a 15-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausage slices and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.

3. Remove the skillet from heat and add the diced onion, bell peppers, garlic, rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Top the mixture with the pats of butter and the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

6. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.

7. Garnish with parsley and salt to taste before serving.

Nutrients:

• Calories: 607 kcal per serving

• Carbs: 44g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 38g

• Fiber: 2g

The Origins of Sausage and Rice Dishes

Sausage and rice is a dish that has roots in many cultures across the world, with variations seen in both European and Southern American cuisine. In particular, many Southern and Creole dishes feature a combination of sausage and rice, creating a hearty and flavorful base. From jambalaya to sausage and rice casseroles, this combination is widely beloved for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to satisfy hunger with minimal ingredients.

While the version we’re exploring here focuses on a cheesy twist, many traditional versions of sausage and rice incorporate a variety of vegetables, seasonings, and sometimes beans, offering a complete meal in one pan. This modern version, with its rich creaminess and melting cheese, adds a comforting, indulgent touch, making it even more perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Why Choose Cheesy Sausage and Rice?

There are several reasons why Cheesy Sausage and Rice is an excellent dish for any occasion. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and a single oven-safe skillet, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights when you don’t have time for complicated cooking but still want a satisfying and flavorful meal.

The dish is also very filling. The combination of sausage, rice, and cheese provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it an energy-packed meal that will keep you full for hours. The addition of bell peppers and onions adds a bit of freshness and color to the dish, contributing a subtle sweetness and crunch to balance out the richness of the sausage and cheese.

Additionally, Cheesy Sausage and Rice is highly customizable. You can easily adjust the recipe to accommodate different dietary preferences or make it your own by adding other ingredients, such as additional vegetables, herbs, or even different types of sausage. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with a lighter version or a plant-based alternative for those who need a dairy-free or gluten-free option. The recipe’s simplicity makes it easy to adapt based on what you have available in your kitchen.

Flavor Profile and Texture of Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Cheesy Sausage and Rice is a perfect combination of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors. The smoked sausage or kielbasa is the star of the dish, offering a rich, smoky, and slightly salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the softness of the rice. The bell peppers and onions bring a subtle sweetness and crunch, balancing the dish’s richness and providing texture contrast.

The creamy combination of cream of chicken soup and chicken broth creates a luscious base that coats the rice and vegetables, while the melted cheddar cheese adds a deliciously gooey, cheesy finish. The crushed red pepper flakes give the dish a mild heat, which is perfectly balanced by the richness of the cheese and sausage. The final touch of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that elevates the dish.

The texture of the dish is also a highlight. The rice absorbs the creamy sauce, becoming tender and flavorful. The sausage remains slightly crispy on the edges while staying juicy and tender inside. The melted cheese creates a layer of gooey goodness on top, while the vegetables maintain their crispness, adding a nice contrast to the overall texture.

Nutritional Benefits of Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Cheesy Sausage and Rice is a hearty dish, offering a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Each serving provides a substantial amount of calories, making it an ideal option for a filling dinner or family meal.

• Protein: The sausage provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. The dish’s protein content is also bolstered by the cheese, making it a great option for those looking to boost their protein intake.

• Carbohydrates: The rice serves as the primary carbohydrate source, offering a steady release of energy. While it’s important to monitor portion sizes if you’re watching your carb intake, the rice adds a satisfying base that complements the rich flavors of the sausage and cheese.

• Fat: The sausage and cheese contribute to the fat content of the dish, giving it a rich and creamy texture. While the fat content is higher than some other dishes, it’s important to remember that not all fats are created equal. Using leaner sausage options and moderate cheese portions can help reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.

• Fiber and Micronutrients: The addition of bell peppers and onions boosts the dish’s fiber content, which is important for digestive health. The peppers also provide vitamins A and C, which contribute to immune health and overall well-being.

• Versatility: If you want to lighten the dish a bit, you can substitute some of the cheese for a lower-fat option or use brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber content.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Sausage and Rice

For the best results when making Cheesy Sausage and Rice, here are a few tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly:

1. Use a Good Skillet: A large, oven-safe skillet is ideal for this recipe as it allows you to cook everything in one pan and transfer it directly to the oven. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also helps infuse the flavors into the rice and sausage.

2. Brown the Sausage Well: Be sure to sear the sausage slices in the pan until they’re browned and slightly crispy. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

3. Don’t Overcook the Rice: Since you’re using instant rice, be mindful of cooking time. It’s easy to overcook instant rice, leading to a mushy texture. Follow the recipe closely to ensure the rice remains fluffy and tender.

4. Top with Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier dish, feel free to add extra cheese on top before baking. The cheese will melt into a gooey, bubbly layer that enhances the richness of the dish.

5. Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley is a great way to add a burst of color and a light, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sausage and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining the smoky flavor of sausage, the creamy richness of cheese, and the heartiness of rice into a single, satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or serving it for a special meal, this dish offers a great balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone satisfied. The ease of preparation, combined with its comforting and filling nature, makes it a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion.

By following a few simple steps and tips, you can create a dish that is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you choose to serve it with a side of green beans or breadsticks, Cheesy Sausage and Rice is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy it as a cozy meal during cooler nights or as a hearty dish for any time of the year!