Kielbasa Rice Skillet turns smoked sausage, instant rice, frozen peas, water, Dijon mustard, and pantry seasonings into a complete one-pan meal. Browning the half-inch kielbasa slices first creates the savory base; rice and peas then simmer together in the covered skillet until the measured liquid is absorbed.
The recipe makes 6 hearty servings. Preparation takes 5 minutes, cooking takes 15 minutes, and the total is 20 minutes. It is naturally dairy-free as written, with butter or cheese mentioned only as optional variations.
Kielbasa Rice Skillet Ingredients
Gather 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage, 2 cups instant rice, 1 cup frozen peas, and 2 cups water.
The seasonings are 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried minced onions, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. A small amount of oil is used only if the specific pan needs it for browning.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Cheesy Stuffed Shells.
How to Make Kielbasa Rice Skillet
- Cut 1 pound kielbasa into even ½-inch slices.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium. Brown the slices on both sides for 5–6 minutes total, adding a little oil only if needed.
- Add 2 cups instant rice, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 cups water, Dijon, dried onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, rest covered 2–3 minutes, fluff, and serve.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Slice One Pound Kielbasa Evenly
Heat a Large Cast-Iron Skillet
Brown for Five to Six Minutes
Add Two Cups Instant Rice
Pour in Two Cups Water
Measure Dijon and Dried Onion
Add Four Half-Teaspoon Seasonings
Bring the Mixture to a Boil
Cover and Reduce the Heat
Simmer Ten to Twelve Minutes
Rest Covered for Two to Three Minutes
Serve Six Hearty Portions
Keep Optional Variations Separate
Protect the Twenty-Minute Timeline
Conclusion
Slice 1 pound kielbasa into ½-inch rounds and brown over medium for 5–6 minutes. Add 2 cups instant rice, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon Dijon, 1 teaspoon dried onion, and ½ teaspoon each salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes. Rest covered 2–3 minutes, fluff, and serve 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
The stated 2 cups water and 10–12-minute simmer are specifically designed for 2 cups instant rice; regular rice needs different timing and liquid.
- → Does the kielbasa need extra oil?
Usually not. Add only a little oil if the particular skillet needs it for even browning.
- → How long should the skillet rest?
Leave it off the heat and covered for 2–3 minutes so remaining moisture can absorb before fluffing.
- → How many servings does this make?
It makes 6 hearty servings in a listed total time of 20 minutes.