Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a no-fuss, flavorful meal. With savory beef and sausage combined with creamy textures, the dish is comforting and filling. Plus, it’s all cooked in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 lb bulk sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat, adding salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking until halfway browned.
- Add the diced onion and celery. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables are softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat and vegetables with chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and rice. Stir until fully mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Serves: 6
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition.
- Swap out the cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom or chicken for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven. If needed, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
It’s best to use long-grain rice for this recipe to get the best texture and flavor.
2. Can I freeze the Jailhouse Rice?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
3. What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
You can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade creamy base.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and bake it the next day.
5. Can I add more spices for extra flavor?
Absolutely! You can add garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes for a kick.
6. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free cream of celery soup.
7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used to make this dish vegetarian.
8. How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Ensure the rice is mixed well with the broth and soup before baking, and avoid overbaking.
9. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, adding shredded cheese on top before baking can make this dish even more comforting.
10. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and enjoy!
Conclusion
Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for busy nights. It combines savory meats, vegetables, and creamy textures in one easy-to-make dish. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Flavorful Jailhouse Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, sausage, sautéed onions, and celery, all baked together with long-grain rice, chicken broth, and creamy celery soup. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that’s perfect for cozy nights when you want something satisfying without the hassle. With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe is a must-try for busy nights!
Ingredients
-
For the Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 lb bulk sausage (mild or hot)
-
For the Soup Base:
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
-
Cook the Meat – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking until the meat is halfway browned.
-
Sauté the Vegetables – Add the diced onion and celery to the pan. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
-
Prepare the Soup Base – In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat and vegetables with chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and rice. Stir until fully mixed and evenly combined.
-
Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
-
Bake the Rice – Bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked. Be sure to check for doneness and adjust the time if needed.
-
Serve and Enjoy – Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Variations
- Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Different Soup Option: Swap the cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If needed, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop or in the oven.
