Description

Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a hearty Southern-inspired one-pot dish combining ground beef, pork sausage, aromatic vegetables, and seasoned rice cooked in a rich mixture of beef broth and creamy soups. This comforting meal is quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb ground beef
1 lb pork sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Rice & Liquids

1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

Optional Toppings & Garnish

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until fully browned and cooked through.
Drain Excess Grease: Once the meat is browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat content.
Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat.
Cook Until Softened: Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
Season & Add Rice: Stir in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to combine the spices with the meat and vegetables.
Add Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir well, coating each grain with the seasonings and meat mixture.
Simmer the Dish: Pour in the beef broth along with the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. Stir until everything is well combined.
Cook Covered: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and let the mixture simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Finish & Serve: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot rice and cover for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Garnish: Top with chopped parsley or green onions to add a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Serve Warm: Dish out warm portions and enjoy this satisfying, flavorful Southern classic meal.

Notes

You can customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or using spicy sausage.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version if preferred.
If you want a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth along with suitable mushroom and chicken substitutes.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
For a creamier dish, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern American