Go-To Meals: Easy Jambalaya

Ok. I have shared many of my favorites go-to meals so far, but this one is my actual top favorite! No, really, I promise!  Let’s check out my easy, cheater jambalaya recipe!

I love New Orleans. The feel of the city, the music, and the food make it my favorite US large city. Creole and Cajun food are always a go-to for me. I have made some amazing Jambalaya in the past, usually, it is an all afternoon labor of love that results in a pot of deliciousness. 

With this trick, you can have a skillet of delicious Creole rice, beans, and andouille sausage ready to eat in 30 minutes.  

My store has two different Red Beans and Rice box mixes available. Zatarain’s and Goya. Both are tasty, but I usually go with the slightly cheaper box of  Zatarain’s. 

Let’s get cooking!

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Jambalaya

A 30-minute quick jambalaya recipe using a boxed mix to get started!

Course Main Course

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 2 people

Cost $8

Ingredients

• 1 box Red beans and rice mix Zatarain's or Goya are the ones I usually use
• 1 link Andouille Sausage Approximately 4-5 oz of sausage
• 1/4 bunch Green onions
• 1 serving Frozen Veggies

Instructions

• Start cooking the Red Beans and Rice mix according to the box directions. It will probably include mixing the dried rice with water and bringing it to a boil in a covered skillet.
• As the rice mix is cooking, slice the link of sausage into coins.
• In a small frying pan, brown the slices of sausage on both sides.
• Once the sausage coins are browned, add them to the rice mix.
• Continue cooking sausage in with rice mix until rice is done.
• When about 5 minutes are left on the rice mix, heat your veggies so they are ready when the rice mix is.
• Plate and top with diced green onions or chives. Enjoy!

Notes

Notes:

1. Any spicy sausage can work in this, I prefer andouille. 
2. I usually use one link from the package of 4-5 links. The rest freeze great, I usually wrap them individually so it is easy to grab one to use with this dinner. 
3. Often I have frozen broccoli as a side, but this would work with any frozen, fresh, or canned veggies that you have on hand and enjoy. 
4. You could add frozen okra to the rice mix. Just slice thin and add once the rice is boiling. If you like okra…. More power to you! This is not my preference!
5. If you have any leftover peppers or other veggies, you can add them in the last few minutes of cooking the rice mix so they can heat through. It's a great way to use up leftovers  
6. Mix it up. There are several different versions of this rice mix available, specifically, Zatarain's has 4 or 5 different options that are available in different stores. Mix it up a bit and try new things!

Are you hungry yet?

One of the goals of go-to meals is to have a hot tasty meal ready to eat quickly. This Easy Jambalaya recipe hits the mark!

So, let’s coordinate your cooking steps and get the cooking going quickly when you start! I will continue to share more of my Go-To meals and other ideas for Go-To meals that may inspire you to add them to your rotation. Remember, the base of these Go-To meals is quick, ingredients you can have on hand at all times, satisfying, and cheaper than takeout!

Do you have a Southern food recipe that is one of your go-to meals? I have another one I will share soon! Please share it in the comments below or on our Go-To meals Pinterest board!