Description
Flavorful Jailhouse Rice is a comforting and hearty baked casserole featuring a delicious blend of ground beef, sausage, aromatic vegetables, and creamy celery soup, all combined with long-grain white rice for a savory one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound bulk sausage
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Liquids & Soup
- 2 cans chicken broth (10.5 ounces each)
- 2 cans cream of celery soup (10.5 ounces each)
Grains & Seasoning
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- Brown the meats: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and bulk sausage. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned about halfway through.
- Cook vegetables with meat: Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet with the meat. Continue to cook and stir until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables have softened, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Mix soup and broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add rice: Incorporate the long-grain white rice into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat the rice with the flavorful mixture.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the entire contents of the skillet into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and absorb the flavors.
- Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for about 15 minutes. This resting period helps the rice soak up any remaining liquid. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup and broth mixture.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and low-sodium cream of celery soup.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil to prevent the casserole from drying out during baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily in the oven or microwave.
