Kielbasa and rice is an inexpensive and easy meal, a perfect busy weeknight dinner for pleasing even picky eaters! This dish is loaded with seared kielbasa sausage, sauteed peppers and onions, and white rice cooked in chicken broth and seasonings. Best of all, this great recipe can be on your table in only twenty minutes!
Ingredients You Need
- Long grain white rice - You can use your favorite variety of rice, just adjust the cooking accordingly. For example, brown rice will require a much longer cooking time.
- Chicken broth - Chicken stock also works. If you use low sodium broth or stock just be mindful that you may need to add more salt to the dish.
- Tomato paste - This is optional, but it adds flavor and color reminiscent of an ad hoc jambalaya.
- Seasonings: Paprika and black pepper. Garlic powder could also be added if you would like. Cayenne pepper red pepper flakes would each be a great addition if you wish to add some heat.
- Polish Kielbasa - Any other similar sausages at the grocery store can be substituted as well.
- Red bell pepper - Or you can use another sweet pepper.
- Onion - Yellow or sweet onions will be best.
How to Make it
Here is the basic summary for making this kielbasa and rice recipe: You will cook everything, then combine it together. Pretty easy, right?
Start by preparing the uncooked rice. Add rice to a saucepan with chicken broth, tomato paste, paprika, and black pepper. Cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
While the rice cooks, sear off your kielbasa in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It will render fat as it cooks but you can help it by adding some olive oil if needed. Finally, add the peppers and onion to the cooked sausages and saute them until tender.
Once the rice, sausage, peppers, and onions are all cooked, combine everything together in the large skillet and serve.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Leftover kielbasa and rice should be kept in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to one week. Leftovers are easily reheated in the microwave in individual servings. Heat until warmed through.
Kielbasa and Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 14 ounce kielbasa (sliced)
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Add rice, chicken broth, tomato paste, and seasonings to a small saucepan. Cover with lid and bring to a simmer. Simmer on low until liquid has been absorbed and rice is tender.
- While rice cooks sear the kielbasa in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Periodically flip the sausage to ensure it cooks evenly. Once seared and heated through, remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add peppers and onions to the skillet and saute them in the leftover rendered fat from the kielbasa.*
- Once peppers and onions are tender, add kielbasa back to the skillet along with the cooked rice. Mix together, taste for salt, and adjust as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutritional Information
This recipe was originally published on March 9, 2021.
Michael Herlihy
One of the best recipe’s I have come across! This is my 1st review, but too good not to rate!!!! Quick, not many ingredients, and tastes delicious!
Julie
This is was yummy and quick but only giving 4 stars because it said it serves 6 but I only got 3.5 servings out of this recipe. Next time I plan to double the rice mixture but keep the sausage amount the same to hopefully get 6 servings. Thanks for the recipe! It will be going on our dinner rotation list 🙂
Naomi
I added a can of diced tomatoes and mushrooms. Also some diced zucchini. My kids ate it and declared it “good”!
Jessica
Gummy and bland. Made it twice thinking I was the problem-nope, just a poor recipe. Maybe I was expecting something more flavorful.
Charlene M Moody
Easy peasy and delicious! I added a bit more seasonings and celery to my dish, as mentioned in recipe you can play with it to make it to your liking.
Jennifer
Was a little skeptical but I was hungry so I made it. Absolutely delicious and will DEFINITELY make it again!!
Claire
This recipe looks delicious do you know how to cook this in the instant pot?
Cindy
Looks like a great alternative to boxed dinners. We make our own venison/beef kielbasa so I am excited to try this!
Carmen
I made this recipe added Fresh Baby Spinach and sliced mushrooms. Delicious wanted to make enough for leftovers to take for lunch. Big hit lots of happy faces .
BertaAnne
Hello,
This recipe brings back many cherished memories!
While living in western PA., kielbasa was a family favorite. It was a true blessing as our Children were very active and meals were made and eaten, quickly,
My In-laws owned a butcher shop and grocery in the thin town of Delmont.
That is where I found, homemade kielbaba. I can not eat the, prefab stuff one finds in groceries in SoCal. This recipe was a favorite, over 50 years ago!
Thanks for the memories!raf