If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings together bold flavors and a satisfying texture, this Jailhouse Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a deliciously simple casserole that combines savory ground beef and spicy sausage with tender onions and celery, all nestled in creamy soups and chicken broth. The long-grain white rice soaks up every bit of that rich goodness while baking to fluffy perfection. This dish not only fills the kitchen with inviting aromas but also serves as a wonderful crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Jailhouse Rice Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a key role in creating its unforgettable flavor and texture. From the hearty meats to the creamy soups and fresh veggies, every component enhances the dish’s rustic charm.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base with just the right amount of fat for flavor.
- 1 lb. hot sausage: Adds a spicy kick and a depth of seasoning to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Introduces a subtle heat and seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings in a mellow, aromatic undertone that complements the meats.
- 1 large onion, finely diced: Gives a sweet, savory crunch as it cooks down with the meats.
- 2 cups finely diced celery: Offers freshness and a slight crispness amidst the creamy texture.
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth: Infuses the rice with moisture and richness as it bakes.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup: Adds a smooth, creamy consistency and depth.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of onion soup: Enhances the savory flavor profile with mild onion sweetness.
- 2 cups extra long-grain white rice: The star ingredient that absorbs all the savory flavors and provides a fluffy finish.
How to Make Jailhouse Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and give your 13×9 baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray. This not only prevents sticking but helps with easy cleanup later. Setting this aside now means you’ll be ready when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Season
In a large skillet, toss in the ground beef, hot sausage, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brown and crumble the meat over medium-high heat until it’s about halfway cooked. This step is crucial because it lets the spices start working their magic, building that deep, savory flavor foundation.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Finish Cooking Meat
Once the meat is halfway there, stir in your finely diced onion and celery. Cooking everything together until the meat is fully done and veggies are tender is what brings the Jailhouse Rice Recipe to life. Don’t drain the pan; all those flavorful juices need to stay!
Step 4: Mix in the Soups and Broth
In a separate bowl, whisk the chicken broth with the cream of celery and cream of onion soups until smooth. Pour this heavenly mixture into your skillet, stirring it into the meats and veggies. Let it simmer just until bubbles start to form, marrying all these flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Bake
Now gently fold in the uncooked long-grain white rice, ensuring it’s evenly coated with all that saucy goodness. Transfer everything to your prepared dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. If your mixture cools before baking, don’t worry—you might just need to tack on an extra 15 minutes.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Fluff
Once out of the oven, keep the casserole covered and let it rest for 15 minutes to finish absorbing the flavors and settle. Then remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork before serving. This final touch gives you that perfect light texture every single time.
How to Serve Jailhouse Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling some chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top adds a burst of color and a mild, fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, hearty rice. You might also consider a dash of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Because Jailhouse Rice is already packed with flavor and texture, light sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the meal perfectly. A side of cornbread or warm dinner rolls also complements the dish’s comforting Southern roots.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the Jailhouse Rice into individual ramekins or hollowed bell peppers before baking for charming, personal servings. Alternatively, serve it with a dollop of tangy sour cream or hot sauce on the side for guests who love a spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Jailhouse Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350 degrees, covered with foil, until heated through. You can also microwave portions on medium power, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this Jailhouse Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! While hot sausage adds a nice kick, you can substitute with sweet sausage, Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage depending on your taste and spice preference.
Is it necessary to use cream of celery and cream of onion soups?
These soups contribute signature creaminess and depth to the dish. If you want to make a homemade version or use substitutes, just be sure to maintain a similar creamy texture and savory flavor for the best results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free cream soups and confirming your sausage ingredients don’t contain gluten, you can enjoy this Jailhouse Rice Recipe while keeping it gluten-free.
What type of rice works best in this recipe?
Extra long-grain white rice is preferred because it bakes up fluffy and separate, soaking up the flavors without becoming mushy. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice varieties for this dish.
How spicy is the dish with hot sausage?
The heat level is generally mild to moderate, but it depends on the sausage brand. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for a milder sausage or reduce the quantity.
Final Thoughts
This Jailhouse Rice Recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s easy to make yet packed with bold, hearty flavors your whole family will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this dish delivers satisfaction with every bite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you just might find your new favorite go-to casserole!
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Jailhouse Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
Jailhouse Rice is a comforting, hearty casserole layering ground beef, spicy sausage, aromatic vegetables, and creamy soups combined with rice, then baked to perfection. This classic dish is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd with its rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 lb. hot sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cups finely diced celery
Liquid and Soup Mix
- 2 (14.5-oz) cans chicken broth
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of onion soup
Grains
- 2 cups extra long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 3-quart 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, hot sausage, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is about half done and crumbled.
- Add Vegetables: Add the finely diced onion and celery to the skillet with the meat. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Do not drain the mixture; the juices will add flavor.
- Mix Soups and Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and cream of onion soup until the mixture is smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
- Combine with Rice and Bake: Gently stir the uncooked rice into the bubbling meat and soup mixture. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. If the mixture was allowed to cool before baking, you might need to add up to 15 extra minutes of cooking time.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 15 minutes. After resting, remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and distribute the ingredients evenly.
Notes
- Using hot sausage adds a spicy kick, but you can substitute with mild sausage if you prefer less heat.
- Do not drain the meat and vegetables after cooking; the juices contribute to the dish’s flavor and moisture.
- Covering the casserole tightly with foil ensures the rice cooks evenly and stays moist.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the rice absorb remaining liquids and enhances texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth and suitable creamy soup replacements.
