Texas Style Jambalya
A hearty, flavorful jambalaya with smoky meats, spicy tomatoes, and bold seasonings, perfect for gatherings and those craving authentic Texan-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. diced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. uncooked converted rice ⓘ
- 4 oz. kielbasa, sliced 1/4 inch thick ⓘ
- 4 oz. diced ham ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 cans (10 oz. each) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil; add diced onion, diced celery, and minced garlic.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add uncooked converted rice, sliced kielbasa, and diced ham; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat rice.
- Add chicken broth, rinsed and drained pinto beans, cayenne pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Bring to a boil.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Cover tightly with foil; bake for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding bell peppers or corn. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add some jalapeños. You can substitute the kielbasa with smoked sausage or andouille for a more traditional flavor. If you don't have converted rice, use long-grain rice but adjust the liquid accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Style Jambalaya with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. For a complete meal, pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. This dish also pairs beautifully with Easy Golden Mushroom Chicken for a robust family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Style Jambalya contains roughly 1505 calories, with 12g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 148g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), iron (113% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 832mg per serving (36% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the jambalaya a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe until baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the meats with additional beans or sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the flavor without the meat.
What can I do if I don't have pinto beans?
If pinto beans aren't available, feel free to substitute with black beans or kidney beans. Both options will complement the dish well and provide a similar texture and protein boost.
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).