One Pot Easy Cheesy Sausage Risotto

I love nothing more than a good one pot meal. And one that requires zero chopping? Sign. me. up.

I make many versions of risotto (mostly not authentic but still dang good), but this easy, cheesy, ooey-gooey sausage risotto gets the prize for the easiest. This is my go-to for weeknights when my youngest needs to be at gymnastics and I need to get dinner on the table fast.

A close-up of a creamy sausage risotto in a blue and white bowl. The risotto is mixed with chunks of sausage and tomato, topped with cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, creating a hearty, savory dish.

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Did I mention this is a five ingredient recipe? All you need are these budget-friendly ingredients (most of which you probably already have in the pantry:

  • Bulk sausage
  • Rice
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Cheese
Canned tomatoes and boxed chicken broth
A cup of rice

Unlike classic risotto, this recipe is pretty much hands-off. Simply brown the sausage; add the rice, tomatoes, and chicken broth; stir to combine and walk away. Not too far away though. Pots boiling over are a big pain to clean up.

Browning sausage in a pot and mixing with a chop stir.

The only “fancy” thing I’d recommend for this recipe is to use a meat chopper when crumbling the sausage. I use this cheap cooking utensil any time I have to brown ground meat and it’s changed my life. So much more efficient than breaking the meat up with a spoon.

Sausage risotto simmering in a pot.

When the risotto is done cooking it might look a little soupy but once you give it a quick stir and add the cheese it comes together to create a beautiful silky texture.

Try a bowl of this hearty risotto on a cold night followed by a steaming cup of the world’s best hot cocoa!

Sausage and cheese risotto in a blue and white bowl.

Variations

Make it your own by trying these ingredient swaps:

  • Jimmy Dean sausage with smoked cheddar
  • Chicken apple sausage with canned pumpkin
  • Garlic sausage with grana padano cheese
A close-up of a creamy sausage risotto in a blue and white bowl. The risotto is mixed with chunks of sausage and tomato, topped with cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, creating a hearty, savory dish.

Easy Cheesy Sausage Risotto

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This easy sausage risotto is a delicious one-pot dish that comes together with just 5 simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a comforting, no-fuss meal everyone will love!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 cup white rice (Arborio or long grain)
  • 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 32 oz box of chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • Olive oil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown sausage in a large soup pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into crumbles
  2. Stir in 1 cup of rice
  3. Add canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and 1 tsp each salt and pepper; stir to combine
  4. Cover and bring to a boil
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
  6. Add cheese and stir until melted
  7. Serve with a drizzle of olive and add additional salt and black pepper to taste (optional)
  8. Enjoy!

Notes

Add a couple teaspoons of Italian seasoning for a more herbal flavor.

Sub in your favorite type of sausage to change up the taste.

Any kind of melting cheese works!

A dollop of ricotta makes a decadent topping.

Top with flat leaf parsley or basil to add a bit of brightness.

Serve with a crunchy green salad to round out the meal.

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