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Red Beans and Rice

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Short Description

Red beans and rice is a classic Southern and Creole dish featuring tender red beans simmered with smoked sausage, aromatics, and spices, served over fluffy rice. This hearty, comforting meal is full of rich flavors and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Louisiana flavors – A perfect blend of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy seasonings.
  • Hearty and filling – Protein-packed with beans and sausage.
  • Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
  • Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry staples.
  • One-pot meal – Easy cleanup and minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beans:

  • Red beans (dried or canned)
  • Smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa, sliced)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Bell pepper (chopped)
  • Celery (chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Chicken broth or water
  • Bay leaves
  • Creole seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Thyme (dried or fresh)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil or butter

For the Rice:

  • Long-grain white rice
  • Water or chicken broth
  • Butter (optional)

Directions

  1. Prepare the beans – If using dried beans, soak overnight and drain. If using canned beans, rinse and drain.
  2. Sauté the sausage – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the sliced sausage, then remove and set aside.
  3. Cook the aromatics – In the same pot, sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Simmer the beans – Add red beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and cooked sausage. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours (or 30 minutes if using canned beans). Stir occasionally.
  5. Cook the rice – While the beans simmer, cook rice according to package instructions.
  6. Mash some beans – To thicken the mixture, mash some of the beans with a spoon and stir well.
  7. Serve and enjoy – Spoon the beans over rice and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 2 hours (or 30 minutes if using canned beans)
  • Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy version – Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • Vegetarian option – Omit sausage and use vegetable broth.
  • Slow cooker method – Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Creamy texture – Stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk.
  • Extra smoky flavor – Use smoked ham hocks or bacon instead of sausage.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes! Reduce cooking time to 30 minutes since canned beans are already cooked.

What type of sausage works best?

Andouille is the most authentic, but kielbasa or smoked sausage also work well.

How do I thicken the beans?

Mash some beans against the side of the pot and stir to create a creamy texture.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes, then let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.

What sides go well with red beans and rice?

Cornbread, collard greens, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.

How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and Creole seasoning.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just check that your sausage and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but it will take longer to cook.

What can I use instead of sausage?

Try smoked turkey, ham, or even tofu for a different twist.

Conclusion

Red beans and rice is a classic, flavorful dish that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or a big gathering, this dish will always be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort food!

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Red Beans and Rice

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This Red Beans and Rice is a classic Louisiana Creole dish packed with smoky sausage, tender red beans, and bold Cajun spices. Simmered to perfection, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly. Serve it with fluffy white rice for the ultimate comfort meal!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beans:

  • 1 lb dried red beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 8 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

For Serving:

  • 4 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

  1. If using dried beans, soak them in water overnight, then drain and rinse.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage & Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes, until softened.

Step 3: Simmer the Beans

  1. Add the red beans, broth, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
  3. If the mixture is too thick, add extra broth or water as needed.

Step 4: Mash & Finish

  1. Remove 1 cup of beans, mash them with a fork, then stir back into the pot to thicken the sauce.
  2. Return the sausage to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Serve hot over cooked white rice, garnished with green onions and parsley.
  2. Add extra hot sauce for spice!

Notes

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit sausage and use vegetable broth.
  • Shortcut Version: Use canned beans and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Extra Creamy: Mash more beans for a thicker texture.
  • Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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