Kielbasa Rice and Beans

In December, when I’m trying to buy gifts, wrap gifts, hide gifts, bake cookies, attend school things, remember who needed what for Spirit Week, and do ALL THE THINGS…
I switch straight into cheap and simple meal mode.

This is not the month for fussy dinners or anything that dirties 47 pans.
Nope.
This is the month for:

• one-pan meals
• low-cost ingredients
• fast cook times
• food that keeps everyone fed without draining my holiday budget

Because every dollar I don’t spend on dinner is a dollar I can put toward everything else December demands.

And that’s where this kielbasa, rice, and beans skillet comes in — it’s quick, hearty, and costs less than the coffee I forgot on top of the car last week.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 smoked kielbasa, sliced into half-moons
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry rice (white, jasmine, or brown—your choice)
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
  (or black beans, navy beans, or whatever’s in the cupboard)
• 2–2½ cups broth (chicken or veggie)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: a splash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of parsley, or a handful of frozen peas

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🍳 Directions

1. Brown the kielbasa

Heat a skillet (or Dutch oven) over medium heat.
Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides.
Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the vegetables

In the same pan (with the kielbasa drippings for flavor):

• Add onion and bell pepper
• Cook 5 minutes
• Add garlic and cook 1 more minute

3. Add the rice & seasonings

Pour in the dry rice and stir so it gets coated with all that flavor.
Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Add broth & beans

Stir in broth and beans.
Bring to a simmer.

5. Add the kielbasa back in

Place the browned kielbasa on top of the rice mixture.

6. Cover & cook

• Cover and simmer 18–20 minutes (white rice)
• Or 40–45 minutes (brown rice)

Cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

7. Fluff & finish

Turn off heat.
Let sit 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork.
Add a splash of hot sauce or frozen peas if you want color.