Hotdog and Mozzarella Rice Skillet
A one-pan rice dish combining savory hotdog sausages, melted mozzarella cheese, and a vegetable stir-fry base. Rice cooks with paprika and salt, then combines with sauteed peppers, tomato, and onion before cheese melts over top. Hearty comfort food suitable for weeknight family dinners or casual meals. This version layers cooking stages for distinct textures while keeping cleanup minimal.
Ingredients
- 3 hotdog sausages, sliced into roundssmoked kielbasa or andouille1:1none
- 1 cups mozzarella cheese, cut into cubescheddar or provolone1:1noneFull guide →
- 2 ¼ cups white ricebrown rice1:1extended cook time neededFull guide →
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sweet paprikasmoked paprika or regular paprika1:1noneFull guide →
- 2 cups water
- parsley, chopped(optional)
- 1 red onion, chopped into small cubes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped into small cubes
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped into small cubes
- 1 tomato, chopped into small cubes
- olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- 1
Slice hotdog sausages into rounds and cut mozzarella into cubes.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a saucepan and stir-fry sausages until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- 3
In the same saucepan, add fresh olive oil and stir-fry rice with salt and paprika.
- 4
Add water, cover, and cook until water evaporates completely.
- 5
In a skillet, heat olive oil and stir-fry chopped red onion, minced garlic, bell peppers, and tomato for 2 minutes.
- 6
Transfer stir-fried vegetables to the saucepan with cooked rice.
- 7
Add reserved sausages, parsley, and mix thoroughly.
- 8
Scatter mozzarella cubes over the rice mixture.
- 9
Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
- 10
Serve hot.
Tips
Wait until water evaporates completely before adding vegetables to prevent mushy rice with uneven texture.
Scatter mozzarella over hot rice so it melts evenly; stir gently to distribute without breaking cheese pieces.
Good to Know
Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in saucepan with splash of water over medium heat.
Prepare ingredients (chop vegetables, cube cheese, slice sausages) up to 8 hours ahead and store separately. Cook dish day-of for best texture.
Serve immediately while mozzarella is warm and melted. Pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Common Mistakes
Do not stir rice excessively during cooking to avoid releasing starch and creating gummy texture.
Do not skip the water evaporation step to avoid soggy rice when vegetables are added.
Do not cook mozzarella longer than 5 minutes to avoid it becoming rubbery.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, but cooking time varies. Brown rice needs 40-45 minutes; arborio creates creamier texture but requires less water. Jasmine or basmati work similarly to white rice with minimal adjustment.
What if I don't have mozzarella cheese?
Substitute with cheddar, provolone, or any melting cheese in equal quantity. Feta or parmesan work but taste distinctly different; add at end rather than cooking with rice.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Mozzarella may separate slightly upon reheating; add splash of water and warm gently over medium heat to restore texture.