Here’s a simple and comforting Cheesy Sausage and Rice recipe—one-pan, creamy, and full of flavor 🍲🧀
Cheesy Sausage and Rice
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 lb (450 g) sausage (Italian, smoked, or breakfast), sliced or crumbled
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or bell peppers for veggies
Instructions
- Cook sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Cook sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft, 3–4 minutes.
- Add optional veggies and cook 2 minutes.
- Cook rice
- Stir in rice and paprika, letting it toast slightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and cheese
- Return sausage to the pan and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Add ¼ cup cream or cream cheese.
- Spicy: Use spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper.
- One-pot version: Cook sausage, onion, garlic, and rice together with broth for even easier cleanup.
- Cheese variations: Pepper jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend works well.
If you want, I can also give a slow cooker version or a baked version with a cheesy crust that’s perfect for meal prep.
