Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining smoky sausage, tender rice, and creamy cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (for stirring in)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes
Soup and Liquids
- 1 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cans of water (using the soup can as measurement)
Spices and Grains
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups rice
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sliced smoked sausage and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Soup and Water: Pour in the can of cream of chicken soup followed by two cans of water (use the empty soup can to measure). Stir everything together to combine well with the sausage and onions.
- Add Tomatoes, Garlic, and Seasoning: Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and rice into the skillet mixture. Mix thoroughly so the rice is evenly distributed.
- Cook Rice: Bring the mixture up to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low to allow simmering.
- Simmer until Tender: Let the rice cook covered for 20-25 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated into the rice mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover again and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese on top melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. Serve the sausage and rice hot as a comforting main dish.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or andouille for different smoky flavors.
- If you prefer a little more heat, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of water slightly or cook uncovered for a few minutes after the rice is done.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
