Savory Southern Jambalaya Bake
This Savory Southern Jambalaya Bake is a delightful twist on the classic jambalaya, featuring a rich combination of creamy soups, flavorful meats, and colorful veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this one-pan dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad and some warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Feel free to mix and match ingredients; sometimes I swap in cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile, or add ham for an extra protein punch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cayenne Pepper
1 (teaspoon)
Cooked Rice
2 (cups)
Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (10.5-ounce can)
French Onion Soup
1 (10.5-ounce can)
Green Pepper
1 (diced)
Onion
1 (diced)
Celery
2 (stalks, diced)
Hamburger
1 (lb, browned)
Kielbasa
1 (lb, sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, cayenne pepper, and the cooked rice. Stir until well blended.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the hamburger and kielbasa, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
4
Once the meats are browned, add the diced green pepper, onion, and celery to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5
In a large 9 x 13 inch baking dish, mix together the meat and vegetable mixture with the soup and rice mixture. Ensure everything is well combined.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Jambalaya Bake?
It is a one-pan comfort food dish that combines the flavors of traditional jambalaya with creamy soups and hearty meats, baked in the oven for a satisfying meal.
What meats are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of hamburger and one pound of sliced kielbasa.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the bake?
Yes, the recipe requires two cups of already cooked rice.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can swap it for cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
What vegetables are needed for this jambalaya bake?
You will need one diced green pepper, one diced onion, and two diced stalks of celery.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake it covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains one teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which provides a moderate amount of heat.
What size baking dish is required?
A large 9 x 13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the meat be cooked before going into the oven?
Yes, you should brown the hamburger and kielbasa in a skillet before mixing them with other ingredients.
Can I add other proteins to this dish?
Absolutely, adding ham is a great way to give the dish an extra protein punch.
What side dishes go well with this jambalaya bake?
It is best served alongside a fresh salad and warm cornbread.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables?
Yes, sauté the diced green pepper, onion, and celery in the skillet with the meat until they are tender.
What kind of onion soup is used?
The recipe uses one 10.5-ounce can of French onion soup.
How should I prepare the kielbasa?
The kielbasa should be sliced before being browned in the skillet.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its one-pan preparation and hearty nature make it an ideal choice for potlucks or large gatherings.
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted if you prefer a leaner meat option.
How do I know when the bake is finished cooking?
The bake is ready when the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge, then bake it when you are ready to serve, though you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
What is the primary flavor profile of this bake?
It features a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor thanks to the combination of onion soup, cayenne, and smoked sausage.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, as long as the brown rice is pre-cooked, it can be used in this recipe.
How many cans of soup are needed total?
You need two cans: one cream of chicken soup and one French onion soup.
Can I omit the cayenne pepper?
Yes, if you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
Is there a specific way to brown the hamburger?
Break the hamburger into small pieces as it cooks in the skillet to ensure even browning.
Can I use cream of celery soup?
Yes, cream of celery is another excellent substitution for the cream of chicken soup.
What kind of pepper is used?
The recipe calls for one diced green bell pepper.
How many stalks of celery do I need?
The recipe requires two stalks of celery, diced.
Is the aluminum foil necessary?
Covering with foil for the first 30 minutes prevents the rice from drying out and ensures the dish heats through evenly.
Can I use spicy andouille sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes, using andouille sausage will give the dish a more authentic and spicy Louisiana-style flavor.