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

Introduction

Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a hearty and easy-to-make dish packed with smoky sausage, tender vegetables, beans, and perfectly cooked rice. This comforting meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout 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 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.
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 and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
5. Step 5: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice and stir to distribute evenly.
7. Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to ensure all ingredients are submerged.
8. Step 8: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Step 9: Return the browned sausage to the pot and gently incorporate it into the mixture.
10. Step 10: Bring the 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, or until the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
11. Step 11: Check the rice for doneness after 20 minutes. If still crunchy or liquid remains, continue simmering a few more minutes, checking periodically.
12. Step 12: Remove from heat and let the pot sit covered for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
13. Step 13: Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
14. Step 14: Serve hot, straight from the pot.
15. Step 15: Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions and drizzle with hot sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra beans or vegetables for added protein and flavor.
• If you like a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Use smoked sausage for the best flavor; kielbasa or andouille also work well.
• To save time, use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen bell peppers.

Storage

Store leftover Jailhouse Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to prevent the rice from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, but cooking times and liquid amounts may vary. Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. Brown rice will take longer to cook and may require more broth.

Can I freeze the leftover Jailhouse Rice?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently to maintain texture and avoid dryness.

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

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★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a hearty, easy-to-make one-pot dish combining smoky sausage, vibrant vegetables, beans, and perfectly cooked white rice. Infused with a bold blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne, this comforting recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 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 & Liquids

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Spices & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 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 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it 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 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add the Tomatoes and 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, stirring gently to mix everything together.
6. Introduce the Rice: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice. Stir to evenly distribute the rice throughout the mixture.
7. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth, stirring to ensure all ingredients are submerged in liquid.
8. Add the Spices: Season the pot with chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
9. Return the Sausage: Return the browned sausage slices to the pot and stir gently to incorporate.
10. Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
11. Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check the rice for tenderness and ensure no excess liquid remains. If needed, continue simmering for a few more minutes.
12. Resting Period: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the rice to finish steaming.
13. Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
14. Serve Hot: Serve the Jailhouse Rice hot from the pot as a main or side dish.
15. Optional Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions and drizzle with hot sauce if desired.
16. Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Jailhouse Rice with sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
17. Storage: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
• Use smoked sausage for authentic smoky flavor; kielbasa or Andouille work well.
• Be sure to rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve taste.
• Long-grain white rice is preferred for texture; brown rice would need longer cooking time.
• Simmer gently to avoid burning the rice on the bottom of the pot.
• Leftovers can be frozen but may lose some texture in the beans.
• For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth.

Keywords: Jailhouse Rice, smoked sausage rice, one-pot rice recipe, spicy rice dish, Southern comfort food, hearty rice with beans, easy weeknight dinner