Savory Smoked Sausage & Cheesy Rice Skillet
Rediscover a family favorite with this savory smoked sausage and cheesy rice skillet! Originally inspired by a humble recipe from 1988, this dish brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. It's a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender smoked sausage with creamy rice, bright peas, and earthy mushrooms, topped with rich extra-sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of cream of celery soup and delicious spices creates a harmonious flavor profile that elevates this easy-to-make dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers leftovers that make for a fantastic lunch the next day. Don't miss out on rekindling the joy of this long-lost recipe, now with the benefit of extra sharp cheddar for an even richer taste!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
condensed cream of celery soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce can)
water
1 1/2 (cups)
butter
1 (tablespoon (optional))
fully cooked kielbasa or smoked sausage
1 (lb, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces)
uncooked long grain rice
3/4 (cup)
frozen peas
10 (ounces)
mushroom stems and pieces
1 (4 ounce can, drained)
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
4 (ounces, shredded)
Instructions
1
In a deep skillet that has a lid, combine the condensed cream of celery soup, water, and butter (if using); bring the mixture to a boil.
2
Once boiling, add the sliced smoked sausage and uncooked long grain rice into the skillet.
3
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 18 minutes, or until the rice is almost tender.
4
Stir in the frozen peas and drained mushroom stems and pieces, then cover the skillet again.
5
Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender and the peas are heated through.
6
Sprinkle the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
7
Once melted, serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of this one-dish meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Smoked Sausage & Cheesy Rice Skillet?
It is a one-pan comfort food meal that combines smoked sausage, long grain rice, peas, and mushrooms in a creamy celery soup base, topped with extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
What kind of sausage should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of fully cooked kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
Can I use a different type of rice?
This recipe is designed for 3/4 cup of uncooked long grain rice. Using instant rice or brown rice would require different cooking times and liquid ratios.
What type of soup is used in the base?
The recipe uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of condensed cream of celery soup.
Is the butter necessary?
The one tablespoon of butter is listed as optional and can be omitted if desired.
How much water is needed for the rice?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of water to combine with the condensed soup.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
The recipe specifically calls for one 4-ounce can of mushroom stems and pieces, drained.
Do I need to cook the peas before adding them?
No, you should use 10 ounces of frozen peas and stir them directly into the skillet during the cooking process.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Four ounces of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese are recommended for a rich and savory flavor.
How long does the rice take to cook initially?
After the mixture reaches a boil and you add the rice and sausage, simmer it covered for about 18 minutes.
When do I add the vegetables?
The frozen peas and drained mushrooms are stirred in after the initial 18-minute simmer.
How long is the second simmer?
After adding the vegetables, cover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until the rice is fully tender.
How do I melt the cheese?
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for about 5 minutes off the heat.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it makes fantastic leftovers that can be packed for lunch the next day.
Can I substitute the cream of celery soup?
While cream of celery provides a specific flavor, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken if necessary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: soup, water, butter, sausage, rice, peas, mushrooms, and cheese.
Do I need to precook the sausage?
No, as long as you use fully cooked sausage, it will heat through while the rice simmers.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, but you should sauté them beforehand or add them earlier to ensure they are fully cooked.
What size should the sausage slices be?
The sausage should be sliced into pieces approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and an easy skillet meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I make this dish spicy?
You can add a kick by using spicy smoked sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the soup mixture.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when it is tender to the bite and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Can I use fresh peas?
Yes, fresh peas can be used, though frozen peas are convenient and retain their color well in this dish.
What if I don't have a lid for my skillet?
A tight-fitting lid is essential for steaming the rice; if you don't have one, you can use a large piece of aluminum foil to cover the pan tightly.
Is the cheese mixed in or just on top?
The recipe suggests sprinkling the cheese on top and letting it melt, though you can stir it in if you prefer a creamier texture.
Does this recipe contain many dishes?
No, it is a one-dish meal, meaning cleanup is minimal as everything is prepared in a single skillet.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, chopped bell peppers or onions would be great additions and can be sautéed before adding the liquid.
How do I reheat the rice skillet?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or milk to keep the rice from drying out.
Why use extra-sharp cheddar?
Extra-sharp cheddar provides a more intense flavor that stands up well to the savory sausage and creamy rice.