Tomato Sauce Jambalaya
A hearty and flavorful jambalaya featuring rice, sausage, beef, and tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal with bold spices and savory richness.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 small fryer chicken, boiled and deboned ⓘ
- 1 pound cubed beef ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sausage ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 chicken bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1 beef bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry sausage and cubed beef until slightly brown in a large heavy saucepan.
- Add chopped onion, green onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic; cook until vegetables are softened.
- Add water, tomato sauce, chicken broth, seasoning, bouillon cubes, and cooked meat; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer on medium heat for 45 minutes.
- Add rice and cook, covered, on low heat until rice is tender and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mix. If you want a lighter version, substitute the chicken with turkey or use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the dish further. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage and rotisserie chicken are great shortcuts. This dish pairs well with side salads or cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or additional green onions for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a spicy kick, offer hot sauce on the side. This dish is a fantastic alternative to classic chicken recipes, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, then warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Sauce Jambalaya contains roughly 1208 calories, with 102g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (204% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (133% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2539mg per serving (110% 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 a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding the rice, then let it cool before refrigerating. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the rice, cooking until tender. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of rice is best for jambalaya?
Long grain rice is ideal for jambalaya as it holds its shape and doesn't become mushy. If you prefer a different texture, you can use medium grain rice, but be cautious with the cooking time as it may absorb liquid differently. Always rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
Can I use different meats in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different proteins such as shrimp or crawfish for a seafood twist, or use only sausages for a simpler version. Keeping the same cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. This versatility is part of what makes jambalaya such a beloved dish.
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).