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

★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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