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

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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