Make this simple, hearty one-pot meal featuring smoked sausage, rice, and cheese. It cooks quickly and minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Author:Cat
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage (like Kielbasa or Andouille), sliced into rounds
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, and uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the reserved smoked sausage.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
For bolder flavor, use Andouille sausage instead of standard smoked sausage.
If you are interested in structured cooking methods, look into using a sous-vide precision cooker for other recipes, though this dish is best made on the stovetop.
This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning; it serves as a complete meal on its own.