If you’re craving a dish that bursts with comforting flavors and easy-to-love ingredients, this Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a hearty, soul-warming meal packed with savory ground turkey, creamy cheesy rice, sweet cream-style corn, and crispy bacon bits that create a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Every spoonful feels like a celebration of Southern-inspired goodness made from simple ingredients that come together lightning fast. If you want a go-to crowd-pleaser that’s anything but ordinary, this Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe will win you over in the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, the secret to this unforgettable jambalaya lies in uncomplicated ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each element plays a crucial role—whether it’s adding creaminess, a hint of crunch, or that smoky essence—to make this dish truly sing.
- 1 lb ground turkey: A lean and flavorful protein that keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
- 1 box creamy four cheese Rice-A-Roni: Brings cheesy richness and tender rice grains that soak up all those delicious flavors beautifully.
- 1 small onion (finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed to perfection.
- 1 can cream-style corn: Introduces a creamy texture and mild sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- 3 garlic cloves (pressed): Offers a fragrant, punchy layer that elevates every bite.
- 4 strips bacon (sautéed, drained and diced): Crispy and smoky, bacon adds irresistible texture and flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning: A simple way to jazz up the seasoning with herbs and spices, keeping things salt-conscious.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth and balance.
- 4 Tbsp olive oil: The cooking medium that brings everything together without overpowering flavors.
How to Make Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice-A-Roni
Start by cooking the creamy four cheese Rice-A-Roni exactly according to the package instructions. This step lays the cheesy, tender base that brings heartiness and smooth texture to your jambalaya, so give it your full attention to get the rice just right.
Step 2: Sauté the Ground Turkey
Heat a large skillet over medium to high heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the ground turkey and season it generously with Mrs. Dash seasoning, salt, and pepper. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula to ensure even browning and ensure it cooks through beautifully. This protein is what gives your jambalaya that meaty, fulfilling essence.
Step 3: Add the Onion
Once the turkey looks perfectly browned, toss in the finely diced onion. Let it sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. This step deepens the flavor and helps create that signature jambalaya richness.
Step 4: Infuse with Garlic
Add the pressed garlic and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. Garlic’s aromatic punch makes all the difference, waking up the dish and layering in little bursts of bold flavor you’ll adore.
Step 5: Prepare the Bacon
In a separate pan, sauté the bacon strips until they are crisp and golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to soak up the excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Bacon adds that wonderful smoky crunch that transforms the jambalaya into something truly special.
Step 6: Add the Cream-Style Corn
Add the cream-style corn to your skillet. Although it’s tricky to drain completely, try your best to remove excess liquid. The corn introduces subtle sweetness and creaminess that invites every ingredient to mingle perfectly.
Step 7: Let It All Cook Together
Allow the mixture to cook for another 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. This short simmer helps marry all the flavors, ensuring that each component harmonizes flawlessly in the final dish.
Step 8: Stir in the Cooked Rice-A-Roni
Finally, stir the cooked creamy Rice-A-Roni into the skillet. If it looks a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a few tablespoons of hot water to maintain that perfect creamy consistency. This final step brings your Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe home, blending those comforting, cheesy rice grains with meaty, savory goodness.
How to Serve Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your jambalaya even further, try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top. A dash of hot sauce or a wedge of lemon on the side also brightens up the dish beautifully and adds a fresh zing that complements the hearty flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This jambalaya stands tall on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad for freshness or buttery garlic bread to soak up every last flavorful bite. And if you’re feeling adventurous, some roasted vegetables or pickled okra add a fantastic contrast in texture and taste.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe in vibrant bowls to showcase its colorful ingredients. For a casual twist, muffin tins can be used to make jambalaya “cups” perfect for parties or lunches on the go. You can also top with a fried egg for a breakfast-inspired spin that will delight everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover jambalaya tastes just as good the next day as the first. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir to redistribute any settling ingredients and enjoy the depth of flavors that develop overnight.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe even longer, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your jambalaya gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also warm it in the microwave, stirring every minute to ensure even heating. This way, you get that fresh-from-the-pot taste in no time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps it light and healthy, you can substitute with ground chicken, sausage, or even shrimp to suit your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and bacon and boost the flavor with extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Using a veggie broth instead of water when cooking the rice also adds depth.
How spicy is this jambalaya?
This version leans toward mild, making it family-friendly. If you prefer a little heat, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños during cooking for that extra kick.
Can I use regular rice instead of Rice-A-Roni?
You can, but the creamy four cheese Rice-A-Roni gives the jambalaya its signature rich taste and cheesy texture. To substitute, use cooked white or brown rice and consider adding extra cheese and seasoning for balance.
What’s the best way to prevent the jambalaya from getting soggy?
Drain the cream-style corn as much as possible and avoid overcooking the rice. Adding hot water gradually when stirring in the rice helps maintain the perfect moist yet firm texture.
Final Thoughts
This Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe is a fantastic example of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable and delicious. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend feast with friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—once you do, this dish will likely become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Lipsmacking Jambalaya Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lipsmacking Jambalaya is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring ground turkey, creamy four cheese Rice-A-Roni, sautéed bacon, and a mix of savory spices. With its rich texture from cream-style corn and hearty protein, it brings a comforting twist to traditional jambalaya in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat & Proteins
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 strips bacon (sautéed, drained and diced)
Rice & Grains
- 1 box creamy four cheese Rice-A-Roni
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 can cream-style corn
- 3 garlic cloves (pressed)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Rice-A-Roni: Prepare the creamy four cheese Rice-A-Roni according to the package instructions and set aside once cooked.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and the ground turkey. Season with 1/2 teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Sauté the turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked and browned.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Incorporate the pressed garlic cloves and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Prepare Bacon: In a separate pan or skillet, sauté the bacon strips until crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess fat, then chop into small pieces.
- Add Corn: Add the cream-style corn to the skillet with the turkey mixture. Since cream-style corn can be difficult to drain completely, drain as best as possible before adding.
- Cook Corn Mixture: Cook the mixture for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors and heat through.
- Combine Rice-A-Roni: Stir the cooked creamy Rice-A-Roni into the skillet with the turkey, bacon, and vegetable mixture. If the mixture seems dry, add a few tablespoons of hot water and stir to reach desired consistency.
Notes
- Using ground turkey makes this jambalaya a leaner option compared to traditional sausage and seafood versions.
- Mrs. Dash seasoning is salt-free, so adjust salt levels to taste if preferred.
- You can substitute cream-style corn with regular sweet corn if cream-style is unavailable.
- Adding hot water when mixing in rice helps maintain a creamy consistency.
- For a spicier version, consider adding Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
