Oven-Baked Jollof Rice (Easy, No-Stir Method)
This easy, flavorful, and flawlessly cooked African classic oven-baked jollof rice is made simple by taking the easy way out. Just stir it all together in a casserole dish, and put it in the oven. With its well-seasoned goodness, including onion, garlic, and tomatoes with some nutritious veggies thrown in, it’s perfect for regular nights or special occasions!
Jollof rice is a legendary one-pot dish that’s ubiquitous in Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Togo, and Sierra Leone. In fact, this is the most popular party food in West Africa and has been gaining momentum elsewhere in East Africa.
Because of its popularity, there have been several debates about its origin. What I know for sure is that it is an amazing one-pot dish, and there is no argument when everyone is shoving it down their throat.
Why Bake It
While the classic jollof rice, sometimes called jellof rice, is cooked in a flavorful tomato-infused broth on the stovetop, the no-stir method lets you set it and forget it while getting other things done. With just five minutes of prep time and no constant stirring involved, you can have your jellof and eat it too. Just so you know, there is no absolute right or wrong way to cook this popular African rice recipe.
How to Bake Easy Jollof Rice
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Please do not use parboiled rice! Add all the ingredients to the baking dish or casserole pan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and pop it in a 350℉ (180℃) oven for 70-80 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
- People say not to wash your rice because you remove the enriching vitamins. However, you really don’t lose that much, and washing your rice before cooking makes it fluffier.
- Let the rice sit covered for about ten minutes after removing it from the oven so that the rice evenly absorbs the remaining moisture. Then fluff your deliciousness with a fork and enjoy.
- Everyone’s oven is different. So if your rice is still hard with excess liquid after 80 minutes, be patient and turn up the heat just a tad. It just means your oven runs a little cooler than mine does.
- If your pan is dry, heat up some broth or water and stir it in. You want the liquid you’re adding to be hot so that it doesn’t cool your rice down.
Make Ahead and Leftovers
Store any leftover jollof rice in the fridge in an airtight container. It should last 3-4 days easily. It also freezes well for 4-5 months. To reheat it, add a splash of water or chicken broth, cover it, and bake it in a preheated 350℉ (180℃) oven for around 20 minutes. Ready!
Watch How to Make It
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This post was first published in March 2014 and has been updated with beautiful photos, a video, and more tips and notes.
Oven-Baked Jollof Rice
Ingredients
- 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) vegetable oil (feel free to reduce the amount of oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced (red or white)
- 2 teaspoons (2g) fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon (1g) dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon (15g) minced garlic or 2½ teaspoons (12g) garlic powder
- 3 cups (540g) long-grain rice, uncooked (I used basmati)
- 1 tablespoon (9g) paprika
- 2 teaspoons (5-6g) chicken bouillon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 14-ounce can tomato puree or sauce
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth or water
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper or ¾ teaspoon ground hot pepper (omit if cooking for kids)
- 1 pound (450g) vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn, etc., optional)
- parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃). Rinse the rice with water and drain.
- In an approximately 13”x18”x2½” baking dish, combine all ingredients and stir so that everything is fully incorporated.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Double the foil if you can because it helps cook faster.
- Gently place in the oven and cook for 70-80 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and check after 70 minutes. I’ve made this recipe several times, and 75 minutes works best in my oven.
- When the rice is done, remove it carefully from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then carefully remove the aluminum foil, fluff with a fork, and stir in your add-ins until evenly combined. Serve warm.
Tips & Notes:
- Any shallow baking dish or a Dutch oven will work, as long as it’s large enough.
- If the baking pan doesn’t have a tight-fitting lid, cover it tightly with aluminum foil so the steam can’t escape. Doubling up foil over the lid is even better.
- You can replace the tomato sauce with a can of crushed tomatoes and blitz it in a food processor.
- To double the recipe, double everything except the cooking time. Depending on the size of the baking dish, you might have to add just a few more minutes, but not a lot.
- For optional vegetables and protein, sauté them first, then stir them in when the rice is done. That allows the colors to stay vibrant and ensures that your vegetables are perfectly cooked.
- One of our readers loves adding shredded cabbage, carrots, yellow pepper, and green onions to the mix.
- I used Royal basmati rice for this recipe, available at Walmart and Costco. I have tried several varieties, and they work just as well, using the same ratio of rice and water.
- As per some of our readers here, you can use brown rice, but that would need a bit more water (I cannot give you the exact measurements because I’ve never tried it), and it will take you two hours since brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Parboiled rice cooks too fast for this recipe and will turn mushy.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the ingredients used in the recipe.
For the scotch bonnets pepper, do you mince it or do you leave it whole to bubble in the pot?
I leave it whole . Mince if cooking for heat seekers
I was looking for a recipe after seeing this on a tv show. My whole family LOVED it. After 75 minutes in the oven I had to let it sit for about 10 minutes to fluff up and then it was perfect. Definitely making this again!
Yay!! Thank you, S Pate! I’m happy to know you and your family loved this! Can’t wait for you to try more of my recipes and know how you enjoyed them 🙂
This was great! I will have to brag to all my friends from Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria…loved it and very easy. I added sauteed carrots, okra and peas.
Nice one
I was surprised to read that the jellof rice getting burnt makes it un-appetising, Ah!!! But that is the “party jellof rice” now. That burnt flavour is exquisite, gives it a distinct taste. One of a kind
Hi! When you say chicken broth or water, do you mean water if you added the bouillon earlier? I’m using maggi and I’m not sure if I should be adding extra maggi cubes to the water to create broth
Hello! No need to . If you added Maggie already. Water is just fine.
Hi Imma! First off I love, love, love the new website . Congrats and well done!! I love this recipe as it never fails. I use the oven method but have adjusted it slightly to save time. I parboil the rice with the bouillon cube and then combine all of the ingredients as per your oven method. At which point, it takes 20 to 30 minutes to cook. Just thought I’d share as I did this yesterday and it came out perfectly. Hope you are keeping well x
Hi Cynthia , So kind of you, Thanks for taking time out to share this with us.I would definitely give this a try.
CORRECTION CORRECTION ! I read so much rubbish that jollof rice comes from Nigeria or Ghana and other anglophones countries in West Africa! First ask yourself what the meaning of Jollof and no one in those countries would be able to give you an answer. Jollof comes from the language Wollof and it means Senegal. It’s a slang the Senegalese use, like Niggah for the Nigerians. You guys are actually saying Senegal rice from Nigeria or Ghana which makes it even more funny! Lol
Just a bit of education as I am getting tired of correcting the mass. One thing never go to a France or an ancient French colony and mention that it’s a dish from another country. . Then my dear you’ll be on your own if you get sliced…
This is… not conducive with the other added diatribe, but yes, Wolof ppls definitely know of this way before. Also goes by Bennachin.
Please, please don’t stop educating us. I am an ignorant, but wanting to learn, native white american. I love this recipe, it’s delicious, and I’m looking forward to trying more African cuisine. Mostly, I’m studying to learn more about all these peoples and their history. My dream would be to learn how to become more integrated somehow, however that would work.
Love this recipe!
Reminds me of my grandmas, so thank you!
Can you cook this in a rice cooker? If so for how long?
for the stove top method should i pre cook the rice?
No you should not. Cook at the same time as the other ingredients .
I made this today because I wanted something different for dinner. I didn’t add the onions because we have an onion recall going on ( I added onion powder instead). It was yummy !!! Such a easy and tasteful recipe. My family enjoyed this so much ..
I want to try this recipe for dinner tonight. Can you tell me exactly how much salt you’d use. I know it says “to taste” but I’d appreciate your recommendation.
Use about 1- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt . Remember you can always add , if you need more salt . Hope this helps.
Thanks so much for the specific salt measurement. This rice was so good. My whole family loved it
I cannot wait to make this for my friend who is a long way from home. He is from a large African city, and I hope he will enjoy this. I tried making him this dish from another site/recipe once before…It turned out horrible so I ate it and didn’t share in shame. Haha, I am excited for him to try this! I hope it makes him feel more welcome!
Hi CJ. Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. And I am sure your friend will love this dish. Do let me know how it turns out for you :).
Made this baking method. Halved the recipe for the number of people we had. Can’t believe it worked first time! And is absolutely delicious. Will be added to our favourites from now on.
High five on nailing this first time, Diane! I am thrilled you loved it! Thanks for stopping by.
Omg !!!! Thank you thank you so much this recipe is amazing I only had 3/4 cup measurement so I used that as cups so 3. 3/4 cup of rice to 4 3/4 of chicken stock lol but I used half of the last cup of the stock less did it on 180 degree took out 10 mins earlier and it was incredible actually perfect I was so proud thank you so much for making this version and sharing Wish I could share picture. ❤️xxxx
Hi Madi ,
Next time share it on instagram and tag ImmaculateBites . SO happy to hear it worked out well. Thanks for the feedback
Wow! This is delicious! I really appreciate the one-dish directions. This is just as good as a more involved and step-heavy recipe and crazy-easy! I love the idea of traditional recipes done slow and understand that that can be a bit of a spiritual journey but I just don’t have time for that! I did use an habanero and hot paprika. It is very spicy-hot. I enjoy that but it may be a bit too much for most. Paprika can also be sweet or half-sharp, depending on the kind you buy. I got mine in a Polish neighborhood so it is pretty sharp. Thanks for creating and sharing this delicious and beautiful recipe!
Hi Jennifer , thanks for taking time out to share this with us. Glad you enjoyed it .
Do you have any experience cooking this in an instant pot?
Hi Jutlande! I have never tried cooking this in an instant pot. It might turn out a little mushy.
YUMMY! Loved it and I have already passed this recipe to my sister.
Thanks for sharing your recipes. Will try more….
Fantastic! I am so glad this recipe is a hit with you.
This is such a great recipe! The method was easy and the flavour perfect. My husband loved it and already wants to have it again
Awesome!! I am glad you loved it . I don’t blame your husband. I could eat this everyday 🙂
Life saver!!! It turn out pretty good and tasty – not as red in colour thou??? Any suggestions?? I used the same amount of tomato sauce as you?? What do u think I could do different next time??
Hi Maria! I am so glad you loved this recipe. In order to get a redder color, you could add a little more paprika. Hope this helps :).