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

Introduction

Jailhouse Rice is a flavorful and hearty one-pot meal that combines smoked sausage, beans, rice, and a mix of spices for a comforting dish. Easy to make and full of bold flavors, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for 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 olive oil over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices 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 softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being 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 to the pot. Stir to mix everything together.
6. Step 6: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice and stir to distribute it evenly among the other ingredients.
7. Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to make sure all ingredients are submerged in liquid.
8. Step 8: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
9. Step 9: Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir gently to combine.
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 until the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
11. Step 11: Check the rice after 20 minutes. If still crunchy or liquid remains, simmer 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 with a fork before serving.
14. Step 14: Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
15. Step 15: This dish pairs well with cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add extra vegetables like corn or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of heat to suit your taste.
• Use smoked sausage for a richer, deeper flavor, or substitute with andouille or kielbasa.
• For more smoky flavor, try adding a small splash of liquid smoke or smoked salt.

Storage

Store leftover Jailhouse Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from 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 broth quantity and simmer time accordingly, usually about 45 minutes.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze Jailhouse Rice in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a hearty and easy-to-make dish featuring smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, beans, and perfectly cooked rice simmered together with a robust blend of spices. This one-pot meal offers a satisfying balance of protein, veggies, and comfort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Oil

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

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomatoes and Beans

• 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

Rice and Liquid

• 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

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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 to 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 are softened and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for 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 vegetables.
5. Incorporate the Beans: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot. Mix thoroughly.
6. Introduce the Rice: Pour in the uncooked long-grain white rice and stir to evenly distribute among the other ingredients.
7. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth and stir to make sure all the ingredients are submerged.
8. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
9. Return the Sausage: Add the browned smoked sausage back into the pot and gently stir to incorporate.
10. Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
11. Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check the rice. If it is still firm or liquid remains, continue simmering a few more minutes while checking regularly.
12. Resting Period: Once rice is tender and liquid absorbed, remove from heat and allow the dish to sit, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes to steam and settle.
13. Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains and mix ingredients evenly.
14. Serve Hot: Plate 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: Serve alongside cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
17. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Notes

• For spicier rice, increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce as preferred.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Rinsing the beans reduces excess sodium and improves texture.
• This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting sausage and using vegetable broth.
• Leftover rice freezes well; thaw before reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

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