One-Skillet Kielbasa with Peppers, Onions & Rice – Quick, Savory & Satisfying! 🍲🌶️🥩
Hey friend! You know those nights when you want something hearty and flavorful, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when I turn to this one-skillet kielbasa with peppers, onions & rice. It’s smoky, savory, and comes together in a single pan—which means fewer dishes to wash later. Honestly, it’s one of those meals that feels comforting and filling, but is also so simple that you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish has everything you want in a quick dinner: juicy slices of kielbasa, colorful peppers, tender onions, and perfectly seasoned rice all cooked together. The flavors blend beautifully—the smokiness of the sausage, the sweetness of the onions, and the slight crunch of the peppers make every bite satisfying. Plus, since it’s all in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze!
Nutritional Benefits
- Balanced Meal: You’ve got protein from kielbasa, carbs from rice, and plenty of veggies for fiber and vitamins.
- Customizable: You can choose brown rice for extra fiber, or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Vitamin Boost: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and onions bring extra flavor along with health benefits.
Fun Variations to Try
- Spicy Version: Use hot kielbasa or add chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Comfort: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top before serving.
- Low-Carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice and reduce cooking time.
- Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for even more flavor and nutrition.
The Recipe: One-Skillet Kielbasa with Peppers, Onions & Rice
Ingredients
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow work beautifully), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
- Add rice, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat rice with the seasonings.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Return kielbasa to the skillet, stir everything together, and let cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- If your rice isn’t fully cooked but liquid is gone, just add a splash of water or broth and continue simmering.
- You can meal-prep this dish—leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a little smoked sausage or even chorizo instead of kielbasa.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant rice? Yes! Reduce the broth slightly and adjust cooking time—it will cook much faster.
- What type of kielbasa is best? Smoked kielbasa gives the best flavor, but turkey or chicken kielbasa are great lighter options.
- Can I freeze it? Yes—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.
- Is it gluten-free? As long as your kielbasa and broth are gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This one-skillet kielbasa with peppers, onions & rice is the kind of meal that makes dinner stress-free and satisfying. It’s hearty, flavorful, and on the table in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you just want something comforting without the fuss. If you try it, let me know how it turns out—and don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime. 🍲🌶️🥩
