Shrimp Sausage Jambalaya
A flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring shrimp, sausage, and rice, infused with Creole seasoning and hearty broth, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 to 4 scallions, chopped (green tops only) ⓘ
- 1 pound medium shrimp, boiled and peeled
- 1 pound smoked sausage ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can French onion soup ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 9 x 13-inch Pyrex pan, put the rice, chopped bell pepper, and chopped onion.
- Slice the smoked sausage thinly and add it to the pan along with the boiled and peeled shrimp.
- Add the beef bouillon, French onion soup, tomato sauce, and Creole seasoning to the pan.
- Place pats of margarine on top of the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider sautéing the bell pepper and onion before adding them to the rice mixture. You can also substitute the smoked sausage with andouille sausage for a spicier kick. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked shrimp to reduce cooking time, though ensure they are added later to avoid overcooking. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with chopped scallions for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For an elevated experience, consider serving it alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea or your favorite white wine. This dish also complements well with the flavors in Shrimp, Eggplant Dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the jambalaya in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Sausage Jambalaya contains roughly 1200 calories, with 13g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (179% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1742mg per serving (76% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice in this jambalaya?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it has a longer cooking time. You will need to increase the baking time and possibly add more liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 45-50 minutes to cook, so adjust accordingly for the best results.
How can I make this jambalaya spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when mixing the ingredients. You could also opt for a spicier sausage like andouille. Additionally, serving it with hot sauce on the side allows guests to customize their spice level to their preference.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the jambalaya up to the baking step and cover it tightly in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
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).