Flavorful Jailhouse Rice: An Easy One-Pot Sausage and Bean Recipe

Introduction

Jailhouse Rice is a flavorful and hearty one-pot dish packed with smoked sausage, beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional: Hot sauce, to taste
• Optional: Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
5. Step 5: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to ensure all ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
8. Step 8: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Step 9: Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir gently to incorporate.
10. Step 10: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
11. Step 11: Check the rice after 20 minutes. If it’s still crunchy or there is liquid left, continue simmering a few more minutes, checking regularly.
12. Step 12: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes to finish absorbing steam.
13. Step 13: Fluff the Jailhouse Rice with a fork.
14. Step 14: Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
15. Step 15: Enjoy Jailhouse Rice as a main dish or paired with cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked sausage with different spice levels to adjust the heat of the dish.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (replace sausage with smoked tofu or mushrooms).
• Add extra vegetables like corn or celery for more texture and flavor.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Try garnishing with fresh cilantro instead of green onions for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover Jailhouse Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, andouille, or even fully cooked sausage links. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure they’re heated through or browned properly.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your sausage does not contain any gluten-containing fillers.

Flavorful Jailhouse Rice: An Easy One-Pot Sausage and Bean Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 296 reviews

Jailhouse Rice is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring smoked sausage, beans, bell peppers, and long-grain white rice cooked in a spicy tomato broth. Easy to prepare and packed with bold Southern-inspired spices, this recipe delivers a satisfying, warming meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Oils

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Goods

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Dry & Spices

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Optional

• Hot sauce, to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the pot bottom for extra flavor.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
5. Incorporate the Beans: Add the rinsed and drained kidney and pinto beans to the pot. Stir to mix evenly.
6. Introduce the Rice: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the pot and stir to distribute evenly among other ingredients.
7. Pour in the Broth: Pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are submerged.
8. Add the Spices: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Return the Sausage: Add the browned sausage back to the pot and gently fold it into the mixture.
10. Bring to a Boil: Increase heat to medium-high to bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low to simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
11. Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check the rice. If it’s still crunchy or liquid remains, continue simmering for a few more minutes, checking periodically.
12. Resting Period: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fully absorb flavors.
13. Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
14. Serve Hot: Serve the Jailhouse Rice hot, directly from the pot.
15. Optional Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
16. Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
17. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to maintain moisture.

Notes

• Use smoked sausage for authentic smoky flavor; kielbasa or andouille are great options.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level according to your preference.
• Make sure to rinse and drain canned beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and substitute vegetable broth.
• Letting the dish rest after cooking ensures the rice fully absorbs liquid and flavors.
• Leftovers taste great and can be repurposed into stuffed peppers or as a filling for burritos.

Keywords: Jailhouse Rice, smoked sausage rice, one pot rice recipe, spicy rice and beans, Southern rice dish, easy dinner recipe