Flavorful Jailhouse Rice: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Jailhouse Rice is a hearty, budget-friendly meal. This easy recipe combines rice, ground meat, and vegetables for a flavorful, quick weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Base
01 -
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
02 -
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Savory Stars
03 -
12 oz smoked sausage (like kielbasa), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
04 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
05 -
1 (15 oz) can sweet peas, drained
06 -
1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
→ Aromatic & Spice Boosters
07 -
1 tbsp olive oil
08 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
11 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
12 -
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Fresh Finish
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
02 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 -
Stir in 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked, coating it with the aromatics and spices. Pour in 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
04 -
Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 (15 oz) can sweet peas, drained, and 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained. Stir gently to combine all ingredients for your Flavorful Jailhouse Rice: Easy Weeknight Meal.
05 -
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking of this Flavorful Jailhouse Rice: Easy Weeknight Meal.
06 -
Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam further and become fluffy. Season your Flavorful Jailhouse Rice: Easy Weeknight Meal with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 -
Fluff the Flavorful Jailhouse Rice: Easy Weeknight Meal gently with a fork. Garnish generously with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, just before serving. This final touch adds freshness and color to your delicious weeknight meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't peek! Keeping the lid on during simmering is crucial for perfectly cooked rice and ensures all the liquid is absorbed.
02 -
Store any leftover Flavorful Jailhouse Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
Feel free to swap smoked sausage for ground beef or turkey. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
04 -
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad or a slice of crusty bread would complement this hearty weeknight meal wonderfully.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 717 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g
Total Carbohydrate: 93 g
Protein: 27 g