Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Here’s an easy, comforting Cheesy Sausage and Rice recipe 🧀🍚
Great for a quick dinner and very customizable.

Ingredients (serves ~3–4)

• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or jasmine)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby-Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning or garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage
   Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Cook sausage until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook veggies
   In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Cook the rice
   Stir in rice, broth, paprika, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Combine & cheese it up
   Stir sausage back in. Turn off heat and mix in cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Taste & serve
   Add salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Optional Add-Ins

• Frozen peas or broccoli 🥦
• A splash of milk for extra creaminess
• A pinch of chili flakes for heat 🌶️

If you want, I can give you:

• A one-pot baked casserole version
• A spicy Cajun twist
• A budget-friendly version with pantry staples

Just say the word!