Cheesy Sausage and Rice

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Comfort food is my ultimate weakness, and this Cheesy Sausage and Rice recipe hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with just the right amount of spice from the sausage, making it a dish that’s impossible not to crave. I first made this on a chilly weeknight when I wanted something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen, and it’s been on repeat ever since.

The first thing you’ll notice is the aroma that fills your kitchen. The sausage sizzles with a rich, spicy scent that instantly draws everyone in. The rice soaks up every bit of flavor from the pan, and the melty cheese blends everything together into a luscious, irresistible dish. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl.

What I especially love about this recipe is how incredibly versatile it is. I’ve made it with different kinds of sausage, thrown in leftover veggies, and even added a touch of hot sauce for extra heat. It adapts to what you have on hand and never disappoints. If you’re into cozy, easy one-pan dinners that still wow your family, this is definitely one to try.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage and Rice Recipe

This dish is the epitome of comfort and ease. It’s made with everyday ingredients and comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s hearty enough for a main meal and flexible enough to dress up or down based on your pantry. Whether you’re feeding kids, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, Cheesy Sausage and Rice delivers a flavor-packed, satisfying experience every single time.

If you love cozy meals like Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta or Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’re going to fall hard for this recipe too.

Ingredients

Sausage: This is the star of the dish. Use your favorite type — spicy Italian, smoked, or even a milder breakfast sausage. It provides the bold, savory flavor that anchors the entire meal.

Rice: Long-grain white rice works beautifully, soaking up all the flavors from the sausage and broth. It also adds heartiness to the dish.

Cheese: I recommend a sharp cheddar for its rich melt and bold taste. It ties the sausage and rice together with creamy, comforting goodness.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base that enhances the dish’s flavor complexity.

Bell Pepper: Offers color, crunch, and a slight sweetness that balances the savoriness of the sausage.

Garlic: Brings depth and a touch of warmth to the background.

Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with flavor as it cooks and prevents it from drying out.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and sausage, adding a light fruity flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.

How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the sausage, breaking it into chunks as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well and toast for 2 to 3 minutes. This enhances the rice’s flavor and helps it absorb the broth better.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Return the sausage to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 18 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted into a creamy finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Spoon onto plates or into bowls, and dig into a warm, cheesy, flavor-packed meal.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

This Cheesy Sausage and Rice recipe is incredibly flexible. You can switch the sausage to turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based version to suit your dietary needs. Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end. For extra veggies, try adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms in step 2. You can also use brown rice or quinoa, though you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount.

Not a fan of cheddar? Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack would be just as delicious. If you’re craving more heat, a dash of cayenne or some chopped jalapenos can really spice things up.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can always pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced dinner. Garlic bread or cornbread also makes a fantastic companion. If you’re serving this for a gathering, consider offering a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the savory and cheesy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the pan and warm it over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

This dish also freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Sausage and Rice ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Cook it fully, let it cool, then store in the fridge or freezer. It reheats beautifully with just a splash of broth to bring back its creamy texture.

What kind of sausage works best for Cheesy Sausage and Rice?

You can use spicy, sweet, smoked, or even turkey sausage. Just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly and well-browned for maximum flavor.

Can I make Cheesy Sausage and Rice with brown rice?

Absolutely. Brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid, but it adds a hearty, nutty flavor that pairs well with the cheesy sausage combo.

Is Cheesy Sausage and Rice gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use a gluten-free sausage and ensure your broth and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. Always double-check labels if you have dietary restrictions.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re a fan of cozy comfort dishes like this Cheesy Sausage and Rice, you’ll definitely enjoy Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts and the rich, layered flavors of Shipwreck Dinner. They follow a similar one-pan simplicity while delivering bold, satisfying flavors.

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Don’t let this delicious Cheesy Sausage and Rice recipe get lost in the shuffle! Pin it to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest, or bookmark it in your browser for easy access. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so be sure to share it with your friends and family on social media or through a quick message. The more who try it, the merrier the meal!

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