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

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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