Effortless One-Skillet Cheddar Broccoli Rice with Kielbasa: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Craving a satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This one-skillet cheddar broccoli rice with kielbasa recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s so delicious, you’ll want to make it again and again – and you absolutely can, because it’s that simple!
What is Kielbasa? The Hearty Star of Our Dish
Kielbasa is a beloved type of seasoned Polish sausage, traditionally made with pork (though beef or a combination are also common). Its distinctive flavor often comes from a rich blend of spices, with garlic being a prominent note. This versatile sausage is pre-cooked, making it an excellent choice for quick meals, as it only needs to be heated through and browned to perfection. Its robust flavor pairs wonderfully with creamy rice and crisp vegetables, making it an ideal component for a wholesome one-skillet dinner.
This recipe is made in partnership with Knorr, but all opinions are our own.
Do you ever find yourself stressing more about the side dishes than the main course when planning dinner? It’s a common dilemma! Coming up with unique and appealing vegetable sides for every meal, especially for diverse cuisines like Mexican or Italian, can feel like a constant challenge. We often default to a simple salad, but sometimes you want something more substantial and integrated. Think about it – pairing honey-roasted carrots with burritos or loaded sweet potatoes with ravioli doesn’t always hit the mark. This is precisely why one-skillet meals have become a lifesaver in our kitchen; they eliminate the stress of juggling multiple pots and pans, ensuring a complete and balanced meal in a single go.
Why is Broccoli Good For You? Unpacking its Nutritional Power
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. It’s an excellent source of vitamins K and C, both crucial for various bodily functions. Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone health, while Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps build collagen, essential for healthy skin, tissues, and bones. Collagen is also key to wound healing. Furthermore, Vitamin C protects the body from damaging free radicals, bolstering the immune system. Beyond these, broccoli also provides a good source of folate (folic acid), important for cell growth and function, as well as potassium and fiber, which support heart health and digestion. Incorporating broccoli into your diet is a delicious way to boost your nutrient intake.
This is why Knorr Selects recipes have become such a staple in our home. Their White Cheddar Broccoli variety, in particular, is an absolute dream for creating easy one-pot or one-skillet meals. With the broccoli already incorporated, it saves valuable time and effort, making healthy eating more accessible and enjoyable. It’s the perfect foundation for a flavorful meal without the fuss.
Beyond the convenience of Knorr Selects, this time of year always reminds me of the beauty of fall and the harvest season. Growing up on my parents’ farm instilled in me a deep appreciation for the hard work of farmers. It’s why I can’t let another autumn pass without acknowledging National Farmers Day – a truly important occasion dedicated to celebrating the men and women who tirelessly put food on our tables. Their dedication to cultivating the land and nurturing crops is the backbone of our food supply, and it’s something we should all recognize and value.
Our recent visit to the Rexburg, Idaho farmers market (which, by the way, is also where I discovered one of the best corndogs ever!) sparked a flurry of creative ideas. Seeing the vibrant array of fresh produce reminded me of the simple joys of home cooking. I wanted to create a quick and easy dinner that could also be gluten-free for a friend. That’s when I reached for our trusted and flavorful Knorr Selects, knowing they would deliver both taste and convenience.
Building Flavor: Crispy Bacon & Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
To begin crafting this delightful dish, start by frying a little bacon in a skillet. We prefer to chop the bacon into small pieces before cooking; this significantly reduces the cooking time and ensures every bite is infused with that irresistible smoky flavor. Whether you choose regular bacon or a leaner alternative like turkey bacon, the crispy bits will add an incredible texture and depth to the final meal.
Once your bacon is beautifully crisp, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing any excess grease to drain. This keeps the bacon perfectly crunchy. Next, pour off most of the rendered bacon fat from the skillet, leaving just a tablespoon or two. Return the skillet to the burner, as this flavorful bacon fat will be our secret ingredient for cooking the brussels sprouts. Forget butter or oil; the rich, savory notes from the bacon fat elevate the sprouts to a whole new level of deliciousness. You’re welcome for that little culinary trick!
Many people believe they dislike brussels sprouts, but I’m here to prove them wrong! I wasn’t always a fan myself, largely due to my picky eating habits as a child. However, as I’ve grown, I’ve discovered that my aversion was solely to boiled or steamed sprouts. The magic happens when they’re roasted or sautéed in a pan; this method transforms them into golden, crispy, and wonderfully flavorful bites. To achieve this, add the halved brussels sprouts to the skillet first, along with a dash of salt, and let them get a nice sear. After a couple of minutes, introduce the kielbasa slices, allowing everything to develop a beautiful color and irresistible aroma.
Bringing it All Together: The Knorr Selects Difference
Once the brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and the kielbasa is nicely browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside with the cooked bacon. Now, it’s time for the star of convenience: Knorr Selects White Cheddar Broccoli. Follow the package instructions, adding the specified amount of water and milk to the same skillet. Cook the rice according to the directions until it’s perfectly creamy and the liquid has been absorbed. This step is where Knorr truly shines, infusing the dish with rich, savory flavor without requiring any additional measuring or seasoning on your part.
Finally, return the cooked bacon, brussels sprouts, and kielbasa to the skillet with the creamy cheddar broccoli rice. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the delicious components. In just over 25 minutes, including prep time for chopping, this entire dish is ready to serve. The beauty of using Knorr Selects is that it provides all the necessary flavor, eliminating the need for measuring out individual spices and herbs. It’s a truly effortless path to a delicious and wholesome meal.
While the White Cheddar Broccoli perfectly complements the kielbasa, Knorr Selects offers a diverse range of six other unique flavors to explore. Imagine the possibilities with varieties like Four Cheese Risotto or Roasted Garlic and Alfredo Rice. We’ve even incorporated Knorr Selects into other beloved recipes, such as our Freezer Meal Porcupines Meatball Recipe and our Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole. This versatility allows you to experiment with various flavor combinations and create exciting meals tailored to your family’s preferences, making meal planning both convenient and inspiring.
Knorr’s Commitment: Real Ingredients and Sustainable Practices
What truly sets Knorr Selects apart is not just their delicious taste and ease of use, but also their commitment to quality ingredients. Knorr Selects are crafted without any artificial flavors or preservatives, providing a convenient kitchen solution you can feel good about serving to your loved ones. Their dedication to real ingredients and thoughtfully curated flavor combinations ensures that these dishes will quickly become family favorites, seamlessly fitting into your regular meal planning rotation.
Beyond the plate, Knorr’s dedication extends to a remarkable sustainability journey. It’s incredibly inspiring to see a brand actively partnering with farmers to responsibly grow their crops, all while continuing to create genuine flavors and dishes. This commitment to sustainable sourcing is something we deeply admire. Knorr sources its rice from Arkansas farms, dairy from the Midwest, and garlic from California farmers, supporting local agricultural communities. As part of their ongoing pledge to environmental responsibility, 13 of their top vegetables and herbs are sourced through sustainable farming practices. Knorr has set ambitious goals to sustainably source all vegetables, herbs, and cereals, and to obtain all chicken, pork, and beef from higher animal welfare farms. This comprehensive approach to sustainability not only ensures quality but also contributes positively to the planet and the livelihoods of farmers.
Perhaps you initially came here just for a delicious recipe, but isn’t it wonderful to discover the broader story behind a brand like Knorr? Their continuous journey towards improvement and their dedication to ethical and sustainable practices truly make them stand out. Farmers are the very heart of America, and it’s genuinely heartwarming to support a brand that recognizes and champions their essential role in our society. This goes beyond simply creating products; it’s about nurturing a healthier future.
But now, let’s get back to the star of the show: our one-skillet cheddar broccoli rice with kielbasa! We hope you love this easy and satisfying meal. If you make it, be sure to join our VIP Facebook group and share how it turned out. We can’t wait to see your culinary creations!
Is Rice Gluten-Free? A Quick Clarification
Yes, in its natural form, all rice is inherently gluten-free. This includes common varieties such as brown rice, white rice, and wild rice. It’s important to note that when you hear terms like “glutinous rice” (often used for sticky rice), the “glutinous” refers to its sticky texture when cooked, not to the presence of gluten protein. The gluten protein is found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, which are entirely different from rice. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, rice is one of the most popular and safest gluten-free grains to enjoy.
One-Skillet Cheddar Broccoli Rice with Kielbasa Recipe
One Skillet Cheddar Broccoli Rice with Kielbasa
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
4 -6
Ingredients
- 3 Thin Slices of Bacon, chopped
- 1-2 Cups Halved Brussels Sprouts
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt or 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 Link Kielbasa
- 1 [Knorr Selects White Cheddar Broccoli]
- Black Pepper and Parsley for Garnish
Instructions
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Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
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Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally until everything is crisp.3 Thin Slices of Bacon
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Remove to a paper towel lined plate and drain most of the grease from the pan.
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Heat the pan to medium high heat and add the brussles sprouts and a dash of salt over the veggies.1-2 Cups Halved Brussels Sprouts, 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt or 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
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Cook for 2 minutes or until the sprouts start to brown and add the kielbasa.1 Link Kielbasa
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Turn the heat to medium and continue to cook until the kielbasa is browned.
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Remove everything to a plate with the bacon.
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Add the rice, water and milk to the pan according to package instructions.1 [Knorr Selects White Cheddar Broccoli]
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Cook per package directions and then give everything a final stir and top with bacon, brussels sprouts and kielbasa.
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Serve immediately or cool completely, store in the fridge and eat within one day.Black Pepper and Parsley for Garnish
Recipe Notes
Store left overs in the refrigerator for 4-7 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More Brussels Sprouts? Try Our Candied Pecan Brussels Sprouts!
If you’ve been convinced to give brussels sprouts another chance, or if you’re already a fan, you absolutely must try our Candied Pecan Brussels Sprouts recipe. This is the dish that permanently converted me to a brussels sprout enthusiast! It’s a truly unforgettable side that will delight even the pickiest eaters and elevate any meal.
