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

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/flavorful-jailhouse-rice-an-easy-one-pot-sausage-and-bean-recipe/