Creamy, cheesy, and packed with juicy kielbasa and bright green broccoli, this Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is the kind of one-pan comfort dinner you’ll reach for on busy weeknights. It comes together quickly, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and fills the house with an irresistible aroma that promises dinner is ready. Fun fact: kielbasa was a staple in Eastern European kitchens for centuries and has a knack for turning simple rice into something celebratory.
This recipe is special because it’s both fast and forgiving — perfect for new cooks and busy families. If you love fuss-free comfort food, you’ll also enjoy our other twist on hearty weeknight meals on the blog, and you can read more about the original recipe on the recipe page here: Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet recipe page. Get your skillet ready — you’re about to make an easy, satisfying dinner everyone will ask for seconds of.
What is Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet?
What’s in a name? This cheeky title tells you exactly what to expect: smoky kielbasa, tender rice, and broccoli tossed in a melty blanket of cheddar. Who named it — a hungry cook or a married couple negotiating dinner — we may never know. But when someone says “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” this skillet is living proof: hearty, cheesy, and impossible to ignore. Think of it as the cozy cousin of casseroles who prefers a single skillet and less cleanup. Curious? Grab your skillet and give it a try — you might invent a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Main highlight: Creamy cheese and savory kielbasa create a rich, satisfying flavor contrast with tender rice and crisp-tender broccoli. Each bite has a creamy, smoky, and slightly crunchy texture combination that’s pure comfort.
- Cost-saving benefits: Using inexpensive staples like rice, frozen or fresh broccoli, and a single kielbasa links keeps the grocery bill low while stretching servings to feed a family. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to takeout that tastes elevated.
- Flavorful toppings: A simple sprinkle of extra cheddar, a dash of cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon can brighten everything and make leftovers taste fresh.
If you like one-pan rice dishes, you’ll also enjoy the similarly comforting flavors in our Broccoli Rice, Cheese and Chicken Casserole for a slightly different spin on broccoli-and-cheese comfort food: Broccoli Rice, Cheese and Chicken Casserole. Ready to make it at home? Let’s cook.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This skillet dinner is easy, fast, and deeply satisfying. You brown the kielbasa for smoky flavor, sauté aromatics, simmer rice in broth until tender, add broccoli for color and nutrition, then finish with cream and cheddar for a luscious, silky sauce. Total time is about 30–35 minutes, with minimal hands-on work and only one skillet to clean.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
1 lb kielbasa, sliced into rounds (about 1/2-inch thick)
1 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white rice, rinsed if desired
2 cups chicken broth, hot or room temperature
2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp
1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Use tongs or a spatula to turn slices so both sides get a nice color. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir frequently so the onion sweats and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the white rice and chicken broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the rice is cooked through. If the rice needs a touch more moisture, add a splash of broth or water and continue cooking briefly.
- Return the cooked kielbasa to the skillet. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the mixture becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet. Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy this hearty and cheesy one-pan meal.
What to Serve With:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
- Warm crusty bread or garlic bread for sopping up any cheesy sauce.
- Pickled vegetables or quick cucumber salad to add tang and brightness.
- A chilled beer or a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely with the smoky kielbasa.
- For kids, simple sides like steamed carrots or sliced apples work well.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Ingredient substitutions: Use smoked sausage or andouille in place of kielbasa if you prefer spicier notes. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter finish (texture will be slightly thinner).
- Rice choice: This recipe uses white long-grain rice. If using brown rice, increase simmer time and broth by about 20–25 minutes and check package instructions.
- Timing: Don’t lift the lid too often while simmering rice — steam is essential for even cooking.
- Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor. Stir in a little cheese reserve at the end for a melty topping.
- Avoid sogginess: If you prefer crispier broccoli, add it in the last 2–3 minutes instead of 5. For firmer texture, steam separately and fold in at the end.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but cream and cheese can change texture. For best results, freeze before adding cream and cheese; thaw and add dairy when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to revive creaminess, stirring frequently. Microwave reheating works too — heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between cycles and adding a bit of liquid if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes. If using frozen broccoli, add it frozen during the final 5 minutes of cooking; it will thaw and cook through quickly. You may need an extra minute or two.
What type of kielbasa works best?
Any smoked kielbasa works well. Choose a quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. Spicy kielbasa adds heat, while mild kielbasa keeps it family-friendly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the kielbasa and use smoked tofu or tempeh, or add extra mushrooms and a teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a solid meal-prep option. Store in portioned containers and reheat as directed. Add a splash of liquid when reheating to restore creaminess.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack or Colby melted into the skillet will make it extra gooey. For a sharper flavor, use a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is a true weeknight hero: quick, comforting, and made in one pan with ingredients you probably already have. It’s forgiving for new cooks, budget-friendly, and flexible enough to adapt to what’s in your fridge. If you’d like to see another take on this exact dish and compare notes, check out this detailed version by Mom On Timeout: Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet – Mom On Timeout. Give this skillet a try tonight and share it with family — you’ll understand why it becomes an instant favorite.
Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil for cooking
- 1 lb Kielbasa sliced into rounds (about 1/2-inch thick)
- 1 cup Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup White rice rinsed if desired
- 2 cups Chicken broth hot or room temperature
- 2 cups Broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese preferably sharp
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream room temperature
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Use tongs or a spatula to turn slices so both sides get a nice color. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir frequently so the onion sweats and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the white rice and chicken broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the rice is cooked through. If the rice needs a touch more moisture, add a splash of broth or water and continue cooking briefly.
- Return the cooked kielbasa to the skillet. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the mixture becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet. Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy this hearty and cheesy one-pan meal.