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kielbasa, rice, cheese and broccoli dish with a wooden spoon

Kid-Approved Kielbasa Skillet

5 from 1 vote
This one-pan dinner is a budget-saving hero that feeds a family of four for less than $9. It combines savory kielbasa with tender rice and cheese for a 'no-fight' meal that kids love. Smart Mom Tip: By steaming the broccoli right on top of the rice, you save time and keep your kitchen clean. You are making a healthy, filling choice that feels like a 'splurge' without breaking the bank.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil for browning
  • 14 oz Polska Kielbasa slicked into rounds
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 1 lb fresh broccoli chopped into bite-sized florets (frozen florets also work)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

  1. Brown the Sausage. Slice the Polska Kielbasa into 1/2-inch rounds. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil and brown the sausage for 3–4 minutes per side until crisp. Remove the meat and set it aside.
  2. Sauté & Toast. In the same skillet, cook the diced onion until it is soft and translucent. Add 1 cup of dry rice and stir for about 1 minute—this "toasts" the rice slightly, which prevents it from getting mushy and adds a great nutty flavor.
  3. Simmer the RicePour in 2 cups of cgicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8 minutes.
  4. Steam the Broccoli. Carefully place your chopped broccoli right on top of the rice and put the lid back on. Let it steam for 10 minutes while the rice finishes—this keeps the broccoli crisp-tender and saves you from using another pot.
  5. Stir & Melt. Once the rice is tender, stir the browned kielbasa back into the skillet. Sprinkle your shredded cheddar over the top and stir until everything is creamy and melted.

Notes

Smart Mom Leftover Tip: If you have any leftovers, this skillet makes a fantastic breakfast scramble the next morning. Just reheat a portion in a pan and crack two eggs over the top for a high-protein breakfast that costs almost nothing. You are saving money by ensuring every single bite is used, making your $10 investment go even further for your family.