8 Kielbasa and Rice Recipes for Easy and Flavorful Meals

If you love hearty, one-pan meals that are loaded with flavor and easy to make, you’re in for a treat! Kielbasa and rice are a match made in comfort food heaven. The smoky, savory flavor of kielbasa pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, and you can dress it up with spices, vegetables, or sauces to create endless variations.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a budget-friendly family meal, or a hearty dish to meal prep, these 8 kielbasa and rice recipes will satisfy your cravings and make cooking a breeze.

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1. Classic Kielbasa and Rice Skillet

Nothing beats a classic! This simple skillet meal combines smoky kielbasa, fluffy white rice, and colorful vegetables for a comforting dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add kielbasa and cook until browned.
2. Remove kielbasa and sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
3. Add rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to toast lightly.
4. Pour in chicken broth, return kielbasa to the skillet, and bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Fluff with a fork and season to taste.

Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick!

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2. Cheesy Kielbasa and Rice Casserole

This comforting kielbasa and rice casserole is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the kielbasa slices and onion.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, soup, sour cream, peas, cheese, and seasonings.
4. Stir in the cooked kielbasa and onion.
5. Pour into a greased casserole dish and top with extra cheese.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Optional: Add crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish!

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3. Cajun Kielbasa and Rice

Turn up the heat with this spicy and flavorful Cajun-inspired kielbasa and rice recipe. It’s bold, zesty, and loaded with Southern charm.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté kielbasa until browned.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery — cook until soft.
3. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and rice.
4. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
5. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is cooked.
6. Fluff and serve hot with green onions on top.

Pro Tip: Add shrimp for a Cajun jambalaya-style twist!

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4. Kielbasa Fried Rice

If you’re craving takeout-style comfort food, this kielbasa fried rice is a quick and delicious way to use up leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 green onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet.
2. Add kielbasa and cook until golden brown.
3. Push to the side, scramble the eggs in the same pan, then mix together.
4. Add cooked rice and mixed vegetables.
5. Pour in soy sauce and stir-fry everything for 3–5 minutes.
6. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Optional Add-Ons: Chili flakes or sriracha for spice, or pineapple chunks for a sweet touch.

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5. One-Pot Kielbasa and Rice with Vegetables

This easy one-pot dinner is both healthy and hearty, packed with colorful veggies and smoky sausage flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
• 1 cup rice (white or brown)
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the kielbasa slices.
2. Add the vegetables and sauté for 3–5 minutes.
3. Stir in rice, broth, and seasonings.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover for 20 minutes.
5. Once rice is tender, fluff and serve warm.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle fresh parsley or Parmesan on top for a fresh, cheesy finish.

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6. Kielbasa and Rice Soup

Yes, soup! This kielbasa and rice soup is warm, filling, and perfect for chilly days. It’s a comfort food bowl everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
• ½ cup uncooked rice
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large soup pot, sauté kielbasa until browned.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
3. Pour in chicken broth and stir in rice and seasonings.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 25 minutes.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Variation: Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients.

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7. Spicy Kielbasa and Rice Bake

If you love bold flavors, this spicy kielbasa and rice bake will become a family favorite. It’s got heat, texture, and tons of cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine rice, tomatoes, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings.
3. Stir in cooked kielbasa.
4. Pour mixture into a baking dish and top with extra cheese.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Optional: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice!

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8. Kielbasa and Rice Stuffed Peppers

A fun and colorful way to serve kielbasa and rice is by stuffing them inside bell peppers. This dish looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 lb kielbasa, diced
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a skillet, cook kielbasa and onion until golden.
4. Mix with rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
5. Stuff each pepper with the mixture and top with cheese.
6. Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.

Pro Tip: Use different colored peppers for a bright, appetizing presentation!

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Tips for Cooking Kielbasa and Rice Recipes

• Use quality kielbasa: Choose smoked Polish sausage with a firm texture and rich flavor.
• Choose the right rice: Long-grain white rice works best for skillet and casserole dishes, while jasmine or brown rice adds extra texture.
• Add flavor with broth: Cooking rice in chicken or beef broth instead of water adds depth and richness.
• Customize the spice level: From mild to fiery, you can adjust seasoning to suit your taste.
• Make it a meal prep favorite: Most kielbasa and rice dishes store well for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.

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Conclusion: Easy, Flavorful, and Comforting Kielbasa and Rice Meals

These 8 kielbasa and rice recipes prove just how versatile this duo can be. From one-pan dinners to casseroles and soups, there’s something here for every taste and occasion.

Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or hearty, these recipes make it simple to enjoy a satisfying meal without hours in the kitchen. Grab your skillet, slice that kielbasa, and get cooking—your next family favorite is just a few ingredients away!