Katie'S Jambalaya
A hearty, flavorful jambalaya featuring ground beef, bacon, tomatoes, and rice, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add diced onion, diced green pepper, ground beef, and diced bacon.
- Cook, stirring often, until the meat is browned.
- Spoon off excess fat.
- Drain the tomatoes, measuring the juice.
- Add water to the juice to make 1 1/2 cups.
- Add the liquid, tomatoes, salt, sugar, and thyme to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes longer.
- Stir in the cooked rice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting smoked sausage for the ground beef, or add some Cajun seasoning for a kick. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste, just be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the meat for beans and use vegetable broth. This dish is versatile, similar to American recipes like Skillet Beef And Noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty jambalaya with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Louise'S Stuffed Peppers for a delightful dinner spread. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving. Enjoy it as a filling lunch or dinner option any day of the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Katie'S Jambalaya contains roughly 489 calories, with 11g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2504mg per serving (109% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the jambalaya up to the point of adding the rice, then store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet and stir in the precooked rice. This also allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, use lentils or chickpeas to maintain a hearty texture without the meat. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
How do I adjust the spice level of this dish?
To increase the spiciness, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. For a milder taste, reduce the amount of added salt and thyme, or omit any spicy elements entirely for a more traditional flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).