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

Introduction

Jailhouse Rice is a flavorful and hearty one-pot dish that brings together smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and seasoned rice. This easy recipe serves eight and is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing gathering.

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 from the pot 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 to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the 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: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the pot. Stir to distribute the rice evenly among the other ingredients.
7. Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
8. Step 8: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine all the spices. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Step 9: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate it into the mixture.
10. Step 10: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
11. Step 11: After 20 minutes, check the rice for doneness. If the rice is still crunchy or there is still liquid in the pot, continue to simmer for a few more minutes, checking periodically.
12. Step 12: Once the rice is cooked and the liquid absorbed, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
13. Step 13: Fluff the Jailhouse Rice with a fork.
14. Step 14: Serve the Jailhouse Rice hot, straight from the pot.
15. Step 15: Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.
16. Step 16: Jailhouse Rice pairs well with cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra beans or mushrooms for added texture.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder dish.
• Use smoked sausage like Andouille or kielbasa for authentic smoky flavor.
• To add more depth, try stirring in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cumin with the spices.

Storage

Store leftover Jailhouse Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwavable dish, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth during reheating to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth quantity to about 3 cups and simmer until the rice is tender.

Is it possible to freeze Jailhouse Rice?

Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving. Texture may change slightly after freezing.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 144 reviews

Jailhouse Rice is a flavorful, hearty one-pot dish combining smoked sausage, bell peppers, beans, tomatoes, and seasoned rice. This easy recipe delivers a comforting blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors perfect for a family meal or gathering.

• 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 and Oils

• 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 and Dry Ingredients

• 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

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 Garnishes

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

Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 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.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine with the vegetables.
5. Incorporate the Beans: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Introduce the Rice: Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice into the mixture, distributing it evenly.
7. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth and 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. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Return the Sausage: Add the browned sausage back to the pot and gently stir to incorporate.
10. Bring to a Boil: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
11. Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check the rice. If 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 fully absorb flavors and steam.
13. Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
14. Serve Hot: Serve the Jailhouse Rice hot right from the pot.
15. Optional Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
16. Pairing Suggestions: Serve Jailhouse Rice as a main dish or side alongside cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
17. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes dry.

Notes

• This dish can be adjusted in spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make sure to rinse and drain beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even cooking and to prevent burning.
• Letting the rice rest covered after cooking improves texture and flavor absorption.

Keywords: Jailhouse Rice, smoked sausage recipe, one-pot rice dish, southern comfort food, spicy rice, bean and sausage skillet