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Pulling together smoky kielbasa sausage, tender rice, and sweet peas in one pan, this skillet dinner wins big on both comfort and speed. You’ll have dinner on the table in twenty minutes flat. Perfect for when you want a fuss-free cozy meal that still packs plenty of flavor.
I first threw this together right as school started back up and those evenings were pure chaos. It became a go-to instantly. My family is hooked on the warm, hearty taste and I love how quick it is to make.
Flavorful Ingredients
- Paprika: adds warmth and a bright color I always reach for Spanish sweet for best results
- Garlic powder: brings out that mellow, savory layer steer clear of brands with extra fillers
- Ground black pepper: for gentle spice freshly grinding makes a difference
- Sea salt: ties every flavor together and pops the sausage and peas try flaky if you’ve got it
- Dried minced onion: adds a sweet, aromatic base give the jar a sniff to check if it smells right
- Dijon mustard: gives everything a little tang and complexity real Dijon is worth it
- Frozen peas: for fresh color and a pop of sweetness look for bright green ones with no ice crystals
- Instant rice: cooks lightning fast saves you time just pick a fluffy finishing one
- Smoked sausage: for the best deep meaty taste go for a quality kielbasa
- Water: needed to cook your rice filtered works best if you’ve got hard tap water
Simple Instructions
- Finishing Touch:
- Uncover and fluff your rice sample some and tweak the seasonings if you want Toss on some butter or shredded cheese before serving if you’re feeling it
- Simmer and Steam:
- Dial down the heat cover and let everything hang out for about five to seven minutes until rice is soft and liquid disappears Give it a stir halfway so nothing sticks
- Turn Up the Heat:
- Bump up your burner to medium high Let it bubble up brands of instant rice might cook slower or faster so just watch for steady bubbles
- Toss in the Rest:
- Add your instant rice, peas, mustard, dried onions, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and water Mix to coat everything well and make sure most of the rice is under the liquid
- Crisp the Kielbasa:
- Get a cast iron skillet hot over medium and toss in your sausage Cook for four or five minutes moving around now and then till you see golden brown bits
- Slice the Kielbasa:
- Chop it into rounds about half an inch each They’ll brown nicely and fit bites perfectly
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My kiddo always comes back for more. What really stands out for me is the paprika. I grew up adding that gorgeous red powder to most meals. Whenever it fills the kitchen, I immediately feel at home.
Easy Storage
Stash leftover kielbasa skillet in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools off before you seal it up. When reheating, splash in a bit of water and cover it up in the microwave or stovetop so it stays nice and soft.
Swap Options
Pretty much any sausage works turkey, chicken, or even a veggie version. For extra veggies, add some bell peppers or corn. If you don't have instant rice, just throw in regular cooked rice and warm it with everything else.
Serving Ideas
This dish is filling by itself but I love it next to a crisp salad. Sometimes I pop a fried egg on top for brunch or roll the leftovers up in tortillas for an easy wrap.
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Food Traditions
Kielbasa is classic Polish sausage, and skillet meals like this show up all over America and Eastern Europe. It’s a mashup of traditions making an easy family favorite with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I swap out the sausage?
Totally. Chicken or turkey sausage is great. Just make sure it’s cooked before tossing it in the skillet.
- → What’s the best rice to use?
Quick-cook rice is the easiest choice, but regular rice works too. Just tweak the liquid and cooking time.
- → How do I make it more flavorful?
Browning the kielbasa really amps up the smokiness. You could also splash in some hot sauce or mix in fresh herbs.
- → Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, it freezes well! Let it cool first, then pack it in a sealed container for up to two months. Heat it up gently when you're ready to eat.
- → Can I add cheese?
Sure thing! Sprinkle in some shredded cheese at the end for a creamy and cozy twist.
- → Do the peas need to be thawed?
No need! Frozen peas go straight in and cook up perfectly with the rice and sausage.