Prev Article Next Article

Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage Rice

Creamy, savory, and wonderfully hands-off — the kind of dinner that fills the house with comfort while you go about your day.

Some recipes are meant to be simple, steady, and soothing — and Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage Rice is exactly that. It’s the kind of dish you throw together on a busy morning, knowing that by dinnertime, something warm and satisfying will be waiting.

Tender slices of sausage, fluffy rice, and a creamy blanket of melted cheese come together into a meal that feels familiar and dependable. No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients — just honest comfort food that always hits the spot.

This is one of those recipes that quietly becomes part of the weekly rotation, especially on nights when you want something filling without standing over the stove.

🛒 Ingredient Overview

Smoked Sausage (12–14 oz, sliced)

Smoked sausage brings bold, savory flavor and holds up beautifully in the slow cooker. Kielbasa or any fully cooked smoked sausage works well.

Rice (1 cup, uncooked)

Long-grain white rice is best here. It cooks up fluffy and absorbs all that savory goodness from the sausage and broth.

Chicken Broth (2–2½ cups)

Provides moisture and flavor for the rice as it cooks. Low-sodium broth is a good choice.

Shredded Cheese (1–1½ cups)

Cheddar, Colby-Jack, or a blend melts smoothly and gives the dish its creamy finish.

Garlic Powder (½–1 tsp)

Adds gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.

Black Pepper (½ tsp)

Balances the richness and enhances the sausage flavor.

(Salt is usually not needed, as sausage and broth already provide plenty.)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

⭐ Step 1 — Load the Slow Cooker

Add sliced sausage, uncooked rice, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
Stir gently to combine.

⭐ Step 2 — Season

Sprinkle in garlic powder and black pepper.
Give everything one more gentle stir.

⭐ Step 3 — Slow Cook

Cover and cook on:

HIGH: 3 hours

Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

⭐ Step 4 — Add the Cheese

Stir in shredded cheese while the mixture is hot.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts and everything becomes creamy.

⭐ Step 5 — Serve

Let sit 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve warm as a comforting main dish or hearty side.

❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but add extra broth and more cooking time.

2. What sausage works best?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa.

3. Can I add vegetables?
Yes — peas, corn, or bell peppers work well.

4. Does the rice get mushy?
Not if measurements are followed.

5. Can I use instant rice?
Not recommended — it overcooks.

6. Can I cook on LOW?
Yes — 5–6 hours on LOW.

7. Can I make it creamier?
Add a splash of milk or cream at the end.

8. Is this kid-friendly?
Very much so.

9. Can I add onions?
Yes — diced onions add sweetness.

10. Can I use vegetable broth?
Yes — flavor will be lighter.

11. Does it reheat well?
Yes — add a splash of broth.

12. Can I freeze it?
Yes, but texture is best fresh.

13. Can I add spices?
Paprika or Cajun seasoning works well.

14. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, with a larger slow cooker.

15. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
No — recipe is designed for uncooked rice.

16. Can I add cream cheese?
Yes — adds extra richness.

17. Does cheese go in earlier?
No — always add at the end.

18. Can I use sharp cheddar?
Yes — adds bold flavor.

19. What sides go best?
Simple salad or steamed veggies.

20. Can I make it spicy?
Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes.

💡 20 Helpful Tips

1. Stir rice and broth well at the start.
2. Use fully cooked sausage.
3. LOW heat gives gentler texture.
4. Add cheese last to avoid separation.
5. Use freshly shredded cheese if possible.
6. Let rest before serving.
7. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
8. Taste before adding salt.
9. Keep rice submerged while cooking.
10. Stir gently to avoid breaking rice.
11. Add veggies halfway through.
12. Use crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
13. Don’t over-stir once cheese is added.
14. Serve warm, not piping hot.
15. Add broth if it thickens too much.
16. Great for potlucks.
17. Simple seasoning works best.
18. Leftovers thicken overnight.
19. Perfect comfort food.
20. Let the slow cooker do the work.