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

Introduction

Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a hearty and delicious one-pot meal that combines smoky sausage, tender vegetables, beans, and perfectly cooked rice with a blend of spices. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout 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 5-7 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 are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
5. Step 5: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the pot and stir to distribute it evenly.
7. Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to ensure all ingredients are submerged.
8. Step 8: Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
9. Step 9: Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir gently to mix.
10. Step 10: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid absorbed.
11. Step 11: Check the rice for doneness after 20 minutes. If it’s still crunchy or liquid remains, continue simmering a few more minutes, checking periodically.
12. Step 12: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
13. Step 13: Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
14. Step 14: Serve the Jailhouse Rice hot, directly from the pot.
15. Step 15: Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.
16. Step 16: Enjoy as a main dish or serve alongside cornbread, coleslaw, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add a splash of lime juice or chopped fresh cilantro at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.
• If you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño along with the bell peppers.
• Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor but increase the simmering time and broth by about 15 minutes and 1/4 cup, respectively.

Storage

Store leftover Jailhouse Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth while reheating to keep the rice 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?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, andouille, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if your sausage is particularly spicy or salty.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare Jailhouse Rice up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it thoroughly before serving, adding a little liquid if needed to restore moisture.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a hearty, easy-to-make one-pot dish featuring smoked sausage, bell peppers, beans, and long-grain white rice simmered in a savory tomato and spice broth. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this recipe embraces bold Cajun-inspired flavors and a satisfying blend of textures.

• 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, Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

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

Vegetables

• 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

Grains & Broth

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Spices

• 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 from the pot 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 are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add extra flavor.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
5. Incorporate the Beans: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot. Stir gently to distribute them evenly.
6. Introduce the Rice: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice and stir to evenly distribute the grains among the mixture.
7. Pour in the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Stir carefully to ensure that all ingredients are submerged in the liquid, which is necessary for proper cooking of the rice.
8. Add the Spices: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine all the spices evenly. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Return the Sausage: Return the browned smoked sausage slices to the pot and stir gently to incorporate them into the mixture without breaking them apart.
10. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the entire mixture to a boil.
11. Simmer Covered: Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
12. Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check the rice for doneness. If the rice is still crunchy or there is excess liquid, continue simmering for a few more minutes until fully cooked.
13. Resting Period: Remove the pot from the heat and keep it covered. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to fully absorb flavors and firm up.
14. Fluff and Serve: After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and mix the ingredients evenly.
15. Serve Hot: Serve the Jailhouse Rice hot directly from the pot for best flavor and texture.
16. Optional Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired for an extra kick.
17. Pairing Suggestions: This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
18. Storage: Store leftover Jailhouse Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
• Use smoked sausage for authentic flavor; kielbasa or andouille are great alternatives.
• Make sure to rinse and drain the beans to reduce excess sodium and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Letting the rice rest after cooking improves texture and enhances flavor absorption.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.

Keywords: Jailhouse Rice, smoked sausage recipe, Cajun rice dish, one-pot rice recipe, spicy rice and beans, Southern cooking