One Skillet Onion and Pepper Kielbasa with Rice
A quick, hearty, and flavorful one-skillet meal featuring smoky kielbasa sausage, sautéed onions and peppers, and perfectly cooked rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines simplicity with bold flavors in a single pan.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping ingredients)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- For the Dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 2 bell peppers sliced, any color
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or brown rice for a healthier option
- 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Kielbasa :
- Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables :
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Rice and Seasonings :
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and vegetable mixture. Cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer with Broth :
- Pour in the chicken broth and return the cooked kielbasa to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes (or 35–40 minutes if using brown rice), or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Serve :
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage, chorizo, or plant-based sausage for variety.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (omit the kielbasa or use a plant-based alternative).
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Double the recipe if serving a larger crowd.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (omit the kielbasa or use a plant-based alternative).
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Double the recipe if serving a larger crowd.