Description
This Easy Kielbasa and Rice Recipe delivers quick, satisfying comfort. A family favorite, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Players:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- Flavor Foundation:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Veggies & More:
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- Seasonings & Spices:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Finishing Touches:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown that Kielbasa: First things first, grab your biggest skillet, the one you always reach for. Slice that kielbasa into nice rounds, about half an inch thick. Get that skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat, then toss in the kielbasa. Let it brown up, really get some color on those edges – that’s where the flavor lives, hon! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I love the smell of it sizzling, it just tells you good things are coming.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Once the kielbasa is browned, pull it out and set it aside, leaving all those delicious drippings in the pan. Now, toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Let them soften up, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll start to smell that sweet onion aroma, a sign that things are heading in the right direction. This step is crucial for building the base flavor of this Easy Kielbasa and Rice Recipe, don’t rush it!
- Add Garlic & Spices: Next, add your minced garlic to the pan. Cook it for just a minute until it’s fragrant – don’t let it burn, that’s a mistake I’ve made too many times, and burnt garlic is just sad. Stir in the smoked paprika and dried thyme. Let them toast for about 30 seconds; this really wakes up their flavors. The kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine at this point, I promise!
- Introduce the Rice & Liquids: Now, add your white rice to the pan and stir it around for a minute, coating it in all those lovely flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is combined. This is where the magic really starts for this Easy Kielbasa and Rice Recipe. I always make sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan, that’s pure flavor!
- Simmer & Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! That steam is crucial for cooking the rice evenly. I always set a timer, because I’m famous for getting distracted. You want the rice to be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
- Combine & Finish: Once the rice is cooked, return the browned kielbasa to the skillet. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. Let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes off the heat. This allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly. Before serving, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. The aroma of the finished Easy Kielbasa and Rice Recipe is just so comforting, like a warm hug on a plate.