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
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For the Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 lb bulk sausage (mild or hot)
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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
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Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
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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.
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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.