Make this hearty, flavorful smoked sausage and rice dinner in just one pan. It is a simple, quick comfort food meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Skillet Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in the uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toast the rice slightly.
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the reserved smoked sausage and the frozen peas and carrots mix. Cover the skillet again and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming and the vegetables to heat through.
Uncover the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Fluff the rice mixture gently with a fork before serving. Give yourself some kitchen kudos for making this easy family dinner!
Notes
For a spicier kick, use hot smoked sausage or increase the amount of Cajun seasoning.
If you do not have chicken broth, you can substitute it with water and 1 bouillon cube.
This recipe works well with pre-cooked rice if you are looking for an even faster meal; adjust the liquid amount accordingly.