Craving a dish that dances with spices and wraps you in a cozy, Southern hug? This Easy Cajun Jambalaya Recipe is like Mardi Gras on a plate—it’s bursting with flavor and flair, mixing smoky sausages with tender chicken and shrimp. The aroma alone might just make your neighbors knock on your door, asking what’s cooking!
Steps
- Prepare Rice-A-Roni by following the instructions provided on its package.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Introduce 1 pound of ground turkey, season with 1/2 teaspoon of Mrs. Dash seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Cook the turkey thoroughly, ensuring to break it apart with a spatula.
- Incorporate the finely diced onion into the skillet and sauté for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add pressed garlic to the mix and sauté for 2 minutes, making sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook 4 strips of bacon in a separate pan, then place them on paper towels to remove excess fat. Chop the bacon into small pieces once they have cooled.
- Add the drained cream-style corn to the skillet, being cautious to remove as much excess liquid as possible while maintaining its creamy texture. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the cooked Rice-A-Roni with the turkey mixture, ensuring everything is well-mixed. If the rice appears too dry, incorporate a few tablespoons of hot water to achieve the desired consistency.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 box of creamy four cheese Rice-A-Roni
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can of cream-style corn
- 3 cloves of garlic, pressed
- 4 slices of bacon, sautéed, drained, and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with other meats like chicken, beef, or pork. However, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
- Is it necessary to use Mrs. Dash seasoning?
- No, you can substitute Mrs. Dash seasoning with any other seasoning mix of your choice, or simply use additional herbs and spices you prefer.
- How can I make the Rice-A-Roni less dry?
- If the Rice-A-Roni seems dry after cooking, you can add a few tablespoons of hot water to achieve the desired creaminess.
- Can I omit the bacon for a healthier version?
- Yes, you can omit the bacon to make the dish lighter. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or herbs to compensate for the flavor that bacon adds.
- What can I use instead of cream-style corn if I don’t have it?
- If you don’t have cream-style corn, you can blend regular canned corn to make it creamy or use fresh corn and add a bit of cream or milk.
Tips
- When draining the cream-style corn, aim to remove excess liquid while retaining its creamy texture. Using the can lid to press down gently can help with this process.
- If you find that your Rice-A-Roni is too dry after cooking, stir in a few tablespoons of hot water to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
- To ensure the bacon is crisp and not greasy, let it rest on paper towels after sautéing to absorb any leftover oil.
- For a more flavorful turkey, break it up thoroughly while sautéing to ensure even cooking and seasoning distribution.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Garlic press
