Easy Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet – Ready in 30 Minutes!

Introduction

Craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s packed with flavor and on the table in just half an hour? This Easy Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet hits all the right notes—savory sausage, perfectly seasoned rice, and a blanket of gooey melted cheese, all cooked together in one pan. It’s a true weeknight lifesaver for busy households and anyone who loves a meal that tastes like it took all day but only takes minutes.

Deliciously Simple One-Pan Wonder

What makes this skillet meal shine is its combination of mild or spicy sausage, tender rice, and a kiss of gooey cheese—each forkful bursts with rich, satisfying flavor. The best part? You only need one skillet for the entire recipe, making cleanup as quick as the cook time. Layers of Tex-Mex seasonings along with crisp bell peppers and onions infuse this dish with satisfying flavor, all in just 30 minutes.

Preparing the Flavorsome Sausage Base

Start by browning your favorite sausage—smoked, andouille, or Italian sausage all work perfectly—in a large skillet. Sauté with a mix of diced onions, garlic, and vibrant bell peppers. The savory base created here will flavor every bite of the rice, ensuring no mouthful is bland.

Bringing Together the Cheesy Rice Skillet

After the sausage and vegetables are nicely browned, stir in uncooked rice, spices, diced tomatoes, and broth right into the pan. Simmer until the rice is tender, then finish with a generous handful of shredded cheese. Let it melt and get bubbly before serving, for that picture-perfect cheesy topping.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Skillet Meal

Serve this hearty skillet straight from the pan for a rustic family-style meal. Garnish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete, balanced dinner everyone will love.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each portion provides a balanced mix of protein, hearty grains, and veggies, typically ranging from 500 to 600 calories, depending on sausage and cheese selections. It’s a satisfying one-pan meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Easy Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet (Recap)

For anyone short on time but unwilling to sacrifice flavor, this one-pan dinner is the answer. The blend of cheesy rice, savory sausage, and colorful veggies is simply irresistible and bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a categorized shopping list with everything you need—no more forgotten ingredients or wandering the aisles!

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for another 3–4 minutes, until the veggies start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in smoked paprika and oregano. Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
4. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired, and serve hot from the skillet.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe makes an ideal foundation for your weekly meal plans—easy to double for future leftovers or to portion for work lunches. Save and schedule this recipe to create streamlined shopping lists and plan your week with less stress.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically totals ingredients across your entire weekly plan
• Organizes everything by grocery section for easy shopping
• Prevents duplicate purchases of common staples like rice or cheese
• Simplifies meal prep and ensures you never miss a key ingredient

Pro tip: By scheduling this skillet meal with other favorites, see ingredient overlap—like cheese, peppers, or broth—to optimize your shopping and minimize waste. CookifyAI helps you plan meals, not just recipes!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy this Easy Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet—a weeknight dinner that truly delivers on speed, flavor, and satisfying simplicity!