Flavorful Jailhouse Rice: Easy One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Bean Rice Dish Recipe
Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a hearty and easy-to-make dish combining smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, beans, and fragrant spices all simmered with tender rice. This one-pot meal delivers a comforting, savory flavor 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
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
- 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 and 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 Garnishes
- Hot sauce, to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- 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.
- 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 turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- Incorporate the Beans: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot. Stir to combine evenly.
- Introduce the Rice: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice and stir to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour in the Broth: Pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are submerged.
- Add the Spices: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine all spices. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return the Sausage: Return the browned sausage slices to the pot and gently stir to incorporate them into the mixture.
- Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Bring the entire mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check the rice texture. If it’s still crunchy or some liquid remains, continue simmering a few more minutes, checking periodically.
- Resting Period: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and remaining steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Fluff and Serve: Fluff the Jailhouse Rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Serve Hot: Serve the dish hot straight from the pot for best flavor and texture.
- Optional Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.
- Pairing Suggestions: This hearty dish pairs well with sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
- 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 to prevent dryness.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage for authentic smoky flavor, but you can substitute with kielbasa or andouille sausage.
- The level of heat can be adjusted by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or using milder chili powder.
- For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make sure to rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content and remove excess starch.
- Letting the rice rest after cooking helps achieve a fluffy texture.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day once flavors marry.
Keywords: Jailhouse Rice, smoked sausage recipe, one-pot meal, easy dinner, Southern rice dish, spicy rice recipe, bean and rice skillet