Rice and Beans with Polska Kielbasa Recipe

Introduction

This hearty rice and beans dish combines smoky kielbasa with tender pinto beans and flavorful seasonings for a comforting one-pan meal. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 14 ounce package polska kielbasa, diced
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry long grained white rice
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 14 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced kielbasa and onion; sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
2. Step 2: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, rinsed pinto beans, Italian seasoning, cracked red pepper flakes, and a dash of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. Stir once toward the end to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately, enjoying it on its own or alongside a slice of cornbread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Swap pinto beans for black beans or kidney beans to change the flavor or texture.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice at the end for brightness.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the cooking time accordingly.
• Garnish with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage, chorizo, or even a milder sausage depending on your flavor preference.

Is it necessary to rinse the canned beans?

Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and reduces some of the canned flavor, helping the dish taste fresher.

Rice and Beans with Polska Kielbasa Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 107 reviews

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy kielbasa, aromatic sautéed onions and garlic, tender pinto beans, and perfectly cooked long grain white rice, all seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of heat from cracked red pepper flakes. This comforting dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and makes for a satisfying dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 14 ounce package polska kielbasa, diced
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Legumes

• 1 cup dry long grained white rice
• 14 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Liquids and Fats

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth

Seasonings and Garnish

• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Sauté Kielbasa and Onions: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced kielbasa and diced sweet onion, and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Combine Rice and Liquids: Add the dry long grain white rice to the skillet along with the low sodium chicken broth, rinsed and drained pinto beans, dried Italian seasoning, cracked red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the broth. Stir once towards the end of cooking to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan.
5. Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh, vibrant flavor.
6. Serve: Serve the rice and beans immediately, enjoying it as a standalone meal or alongside a slice of cornbread for a complete comfort food experience.

Notes

• Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
• Be sure to rinse and drain the canned pinto beans to reduce excess sodium and improve texture.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference; omit if you prefer mild flavors.
• Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute with cilantro if desired.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: rice and beans, kielbasa recipe, one-pan meal, easy dinner, comfort food, skillet recipe