Cheesy Sausage Rice Skillet

$- 1 pound Italian sausage - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup diced bell peppers - 1 cup onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups shredded cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste When I make Cheesy Sausage Rice Skillet, I love using fresh ingredients. The Italian sausage gives it a rich flavor. You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. The rice absorbs all the tasty broth, making it soft and flavorful. I like to mix colorful bell peppers and onions for a nice crunch and sweetness. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add great depth. Remember, you can adjust the spices to suit your taste. For the best cheesy goodness, I use a mix of sharp cheddar or a cheese blend. Topping it with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Always taste your dish before serving and add salt and pepper as needed. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take a large skillet and warm two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one cup of finely chopped onion and one cup of diced bell peppers. Sauté them for about five minutes. You want them to soften and start to caramelize. This step gives your dish a great flavor base. Next, add one pound of Italian sausage to the skillet. Be sure to remove the casings first. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces. Cook it for about seven to ten minutes. Stir often until the sausage turns a nice brown color and is fully cooked. There should be no pink left. Now, add one cup of long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir it well to coat the rice in the sausage mixture. Toast the rice for about two to three minutes. It should become slightly opaque and fragrant. Then, pour in two cups of chicken broth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Raise the heat to high and let it boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Gently fold in two cups of shredded cheese. Stir it in until it melts and becomes creamy. This step makes the dish rich and comforting. Before you serve, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Sausage Rice Skillet! To cook sausage and rice well, start by using a big skillet. Warm the olive oil first. Then, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are soft. Next, add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until it turns brown, about 7 to 10 minutes. To get the rice just right, toast it in the skillet. Stir it with the sausage for 2 to 3 minutes. This gives your rice a great flavor. When you add the broth, make sure to taste and season with salt and pepper. You can add more flavor with herbs and spices. Try using fresh basil or oregano for a brighter taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a spicy kick. You can also use smoked paprika for a nice smoky flavor. Experiment with these to find your favorite blend! For a nice look, serve the dish directly from the skillet. It adds a cozy, rustic feel. If you want a more elegant touch, plate the rice in bowls. Top each bowl with extra cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. This not only looks good but makes each serving feel special. Pro Tips Brown the Sausage Well: Ensure the sausage is browned and caramelized for maximum flavor. This step adds depth to the dish and enhances the overall taste. Use Quality Broth: Opt for a good quality chicken broth or homemade stock. It significantly impacts the flavor of the rice and sausage, making the dish more delicious. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Each cheese brings its unique taste and texture. Rest Before Serving: Allow the skillet to sit covered for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier. {{image_4}} You can switch the Italian sausage for other options. Turkey sausage is a healthier choice. Chicken sausage offers a lighter flavor. If you want a meat-free dish, try plant-based sausage. These options keep the dish tasty and fun. Cheese is key in this recipe. You can use sharp cheddar for a strong taste. If you crave something milder, try mozzarella. A mix of cheeses adds depth too. Experiment with pepper jack for some spice. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. Feel free to get creative with veggies. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Zucchini or corn gives a different texture. You could even add beans for extra protein. Try topping the dish with crushed chips for crunch. These tweaks make your meal more exciting! To keep your Cheesy Sausage Rice Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down to room temperature before sealing it. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, pick the best method to reheat. You can use the microwave for quick meals. Place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. For the stovetop, add a splash of broth to a skillet and heat on low. This keeps the rice moist and tasty. In the fridge, your Cheesy Sausage Rice Skillet lasts about three days. If you freeze it, aim to eat it within three months for the best flavor. Remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you’ll know when it’s time to enjoy your yummy meal! To make this dish, follow these steps: 1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of finely chopped onion and 1 cup of diced bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. 2. Cook Sausage: Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it into pieces and cook for 7-10 minutes until it's browned and cooked through. 3. Add Spices: Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors. 4. Toast Rice: Add 1 cup of long-grain rice. Mix well and toast for 2-3 minutes until the rice turns slightly opaque. 5. Add Broth: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender. 6. Mix in Cheese: Remove from heat and fold in 2 cups of shredded cheese until it melts. 7. Garnish: Top with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it takes longer to cook. - Cooking Time: Brown rice usually needs about 40-45 minutes to cook. - Adjustments: Use the same amount of broth, but check the rice for doneness often. You may need to add more water if it dries out. This recipe is very flexible! - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sausage and broth to make it gluten-free. - Low-Carb: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice. Cook it for a shorter time after adding the broth. Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients! This blog covered how to make a Cheesy Sausage Rice Skillet from start to finish. We discussed the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. You can customize this dish with different proteins and cheeses. Storing and reheating tips ensure leftovers taste great. Enjoy making this easy yet tasty meal that fits many diets. I hope you find joy and confidence in your cooking!$

Discover the ultimate Cheesy Sausage Rice Skillet recipe! This one-pan rice skillet combines savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and gooey cheese for the perfect cheesy comfort food. It's an easy dinner recipe that's sure to please the whole family. Try this delicious dish tonight and make mealtime memorable! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next meal inspiration! #CheesySausageRiceSkillet #ItalianSausageRecipes #OnePanRiceSkillet #EasyDinnerRecipes

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Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow for color)

1 cup onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or a flavorful cheese blend)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers, sautéing until they are softened and begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes.

Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and fully cooked through, with no pink remaining.

Incorporate the garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the skillet, stirring consistently for about a minute to allow the spices to bloom and enhance their aroma.

Add the long-grain rice, stirring well to coat it evenly in the flavorful sausage mixture. Toast the rice in the skillet for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly opaque and fragrant.

Carefully pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

After the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the shredded cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy, comforting texture, fully enveloping the sausage and rice.

Before serving, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For a rustic touch, serve the dish straight from the skillet at the dining table. Alternatively, plate in individual bowls, layering each portion with extra cheese and garnishing with an additional sprinkle of parsley for a beautiful, inviting display.