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Kielbasa Rice Peas Skillet

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish combines smoky kielbasa with tender rice and sweet peas, all cooked together in a single skillet for ultimate convenience. Sautéing the sausage first deepens its flavor, while pantry staples like instant rice and frozen peas keep things simple. A touch of Dijon mustard and paprika adds depth and warmth, making it satisfying and kid-friendly. Prep and clean-up are minimal, as everything simmers together, locking in robust flavor. Versatile enough for swaps—try turkey sausage or add extra vegetables—and leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s a go-to solution for busy nights requiring maximum comfort and minimal fuss.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Sun, 14 Sep 2025 22:16:11 GMT
A skillet of rice and sausage. Save
A skillet of rice and sausage. | sarahmeal.com

This kielbasa rice skillet is the dinner I rely on whenever life gets wild and I need real food fast. It all started on a hectic weekday between soccer practice and piano lessons, and now it is my family's most-requested quick meal. Smoky kielbasa, sweet peas, and seasoned rice all cook together in one pan for a solution that is both comforting and incredibly easy.

I first threw this together out of desperation but it wowed my whole family. Friends love it for busy nights and even started making it on purpose instead of just emergencies.

Getting Your Ingredients Right

  • High-quality kielbasa: gives a smoky base and depth
  • Instant rice: cooks fast and keeps this dish weeknight friendly
  • Frozen peas: keep their color and are fuss-free compared to fresh
  • Dijon mustard: adds a tang you would not get from regular mustard
  • Dried minced onions: give onion flavor with no chopping
  • Paprika: brightens the dish and adds a very subtle smoke

For best results, grab kielbasa from the deli section and look for rice that cooks in five minutes or less.

Making It Step by Step

Getting the sausage ready:
Slice kielbasa into even rounds about half an inch thick so they cook quickly but do not dry out
Browning for flavor:
Place slices into a large skillet set over medium heat and let them brown for several minutes on each side for the most flavor
Building the base:
Add instant rice, frozen peas, Dijon mustard, dried onions, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and water directly to the pan with the sausage, then stir well until everything is combined
Bringing it together:
Raise heat to medium-high and bring the pan to a boil so the rice starts cooking and flavors meld
Letting it simmer:
Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, letting it simmer for about twelve minutes while stirring a few times so nothing burns on the bottom
Final touches:
When liquid is mostly absorbed and rice is tender, taste and adjust for seasoning. I sometimes add a pat of butter or a little cheese to finish
A skillet of rice with peas and kielbasa sausage. Save
A skillet of rice with peas and kielbasa sausage. | sarahmeal.com

I never skip the browning step anymore because that first browned batch made the meal go from blah to wow. My favorite part is watching the kids come to the kitchen when they smell the sausage cooking, which is a sure sign that dinner will be eaten.

How to Store Kielbasa Rice Skillet

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor gets even better as it sits. When you reheat, add a splash of water and cover, then microwave or warm gently on the stovetop until heated through.

Smart Ingredient Swaps

If you are out of kielbasa, try any precooked sausage like chicken, turkey, or andouille. Not a fan of peas? Substitute in frozen corn or mixed vegetables. Regular rice works if you double the water and simmer much longer, but instant rice keeps it speedy.

Serving Suggestions

This is a one-dish meal, but you can add a simple salad or some crusty bread if you want to feed more people. I often serve it straight from the skillet—the flavors mingle and there are fewer dishes to wash.

A skillet of rice and sausage. Save
A skillet of rice and sausage. | sarahmeal.com

The Story Behind the Skillet

Hearty sausage and rice dishes show up in cuisines everywhere, from Polish kitchens to Southern jambalaya. This easy one-pan version brings all those homey flavors together in a way that fits busy modern schedules.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use regular rice instead of instant?

Regular rice needs more liquid and longer cooking. To save time and keep everything tender, instant rice works best.

→ What vegetables can I swap or add?

Try corn, carrots, bell peppers, or green beans. Add them with the peas so everything cooks evenly.

→ Is it possible to use a different kind of sausage?

Definitely! Turkey, chicken, or any precooked sausage delivers great results and lets you lighten up the dish if desired.

→ How do I make the dish more creamy?

Stir in a bit of butter or sprinkle shredded cheese at the end for a creamier, richer finish. Cream cheese also works well.

→ Can I double the batch for more servings?

Yes, but be sure to use a large enough skillet or divide between two pans so everything cooks evenly and nothing sticks.

→ Are leftovers good?

Absolutely. The flavors meld as it sits, making reheated portions even tastier. Add a splash of water before reheating to keep it moist.

Kielbasa Rice Peas Skillet

Smoky kielbasa, rice, and peas transform into a quick, crowd-pleasing one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Preparation Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
20 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 6 Portion Size (One large family-style skillet)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Main

Ingredient 01 400 g smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1.25 cm rounds
Ingredient 02 300 g instant white rice
Ingredient 03 180 g frozen green peas

→ Seasonings

Ingredient 04 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Ingredient 05 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
Ingredient 06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 08 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
Ingredient 09 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Liquids

Ingredient 10 700 ml water, plus additional if needed

→ Optional final additions

Ingredient 11 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Ingredient 12 40 g shredded cheese

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Slice kielbasa into even 1.25 cm rounds for uniform cooking.

Instruction 02

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and aromatic.

Instruction 03

Add instant rice, frozen peas, Dijon mustard, dried onion, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly, ensuring mustard is fully incorporated and seasonings are evenly dispersed.

Instruction 04

Increase heat to medium-high and bring the contents to a rapid boil.

Instruction 05

Reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring mixture does not stick to the bottom.

Instruction 06

If mixture appears dry before rice is tender, add a small amount of additional water. If excess liquid remains at end of cooking, uncover and cook 1–2 minutes to evaporate.

Instruction 07

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For extra richness, gently stir in butter or shredded cheese just before serving.

Additional Tips

  1. For best flavor, do not skip the sausage browning step.
  2. Use instant rice only, as standard rice requires longer cooking and more liquid.
  3. Let the dish rest 2–3 minutes off heat before serving for an ideal texture.

Essential Tools

  • Large non-stick skillet with lid
  • Wooden spatula or spoon
  • Measuring jug

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains mustard

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Fat Content: 19.5 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 54 grams
  • Protein Content: 19 grams