Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

This delicious Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is bursting with flavor and is so easy to make! This easy skillet recipe comes together in a flash and is made in a single skillet for easy clean-up. One of our favorite easy weeknight dinners!

Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Make sure to check out my Chicken Stir Fry, Stuffed Shells and Lazy Day Lasagna!

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

I rely so much on quick skillet dinners that are complete meals unto themselves. This easy skillet recipe is one our favorites – it’s got the cheese, the rice, the broccoli, and a personal favorite of mine, Polska Kielbasa.

My family absolutely devours this easy, cheesy skillet dinner every time I make it and I know your family will love it, too. I’m always a fan of one-pot recipes that don’t require a lot of clean-up. Feel free to substitute cauliflower for the broccoli and use whatever cheese you have on hand—it will be delicious no matter what!

Love kielbasa? Make sure you try my Kielbasa Potato Hash!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: Busy weeknights got you stressed? This skillet dinner comes together in no time, making it the perfect solution for those hectic evenings.
• Easy Peasy Clean Up: Say goodbye to a mountain of dishes! This one-pan wonder means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
• Satisfying: The combination of savory kielbasa, tender rice, and crunchy broccoli creates a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Plus, the cheesy topping adds a rich, indulgent touch.

How to Make This Kielbasa Skillet Recipe

This easy recipe is prepared in a single skillet and uses everyday ingredients – many of which you may already have on hand. Let’s take a quick look at how to make this recipe and, as always, you can find the full, printable recipe in the recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large, lidded skillet.
2. Brown kielbasa for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon.
3. Saute onion and bell pepper until onion is translucent.
4. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add rice to the skillet and stir for 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
9. Add broccoli and cover again. Cook an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
10. Stir in kielbasa and 1 cup of cheese.
11. Top with the remaining cup of cheese.
12. Cover with a lid until cheese is melted.

“I just made this recipe tonight for dinner. It was so easy and absolutely delicious! Lots of great flavor. The only thing I did differently was to add frozen cauliflower rice instead of the regular rice to make it lower in carbs. Even my husband liked it!!” – Diana

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: To quickly reheat, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent drying. Heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Stovetop: To reheat leftovers more evenly, transfer them to a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of water or milk to prevent sticking and drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Variations to Try

• Swap out the kielbasa for your favorite chicken, turkey or pork cut. Or for a lighter option, try shrimp or tofu.
• For a low-carb option, replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or add some extra nutrition with quinoa or brown rice.
• Instead of just broccoli, add a colorful mix of your favorite vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas.
• For a boost of greens, stir in some spinach or kale at the end of cooking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can definitely use brown rice. However, brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saving option. Just add it to the skillet slightly thawed.

What kind of cheese should I use?

You can use any cheese you like! I think cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a combination of cheeses would taste great.

The rice is sticking to the bottom of the pan. What should I do?

To prevent sticking, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the rice. Also, avoid stirring the rice too much while it’s cooking. If the rice does stick, try adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even carrots. It’s your turn to get creative!

Trish’s Tips

• Once you’ve added the broth and covered the skillet, resist the urge to stir the rice. This allows it to cook evenly and absorb the liquid properly.
• To ensure tender-crisp broccoli, add it to the top of the rice without stirring. Cover and steam until bright green and tender.
• For extra cheesy goodness, use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

1. Crockpot Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans
2. Honey Garlic Chicken
3. Chili Mac and Cheese
4. Salisbury Steak
5. Tater Tot Casserole

Originally published March 9, 2016.