Name: Red Beans Rice: 6 Comforting Recipes You Must Try
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 16 ounces smoked andouille sausage (sliced); 1 large red bell pepper (chopped); 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 stalks celery (chopped small); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon oregano; ¼ teaspoon thyme; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 4 15-ounce cans kidney beans (3 drained and rinsed, 1 undrained); 1 bay leaf; 1 ¼ cups long grain white rice; 2 ½ cups water; green onions (sliced)

Red Beans Rice is one of the most flavorful comfort meals. This classic dish features smoked andouille sausage and red kidney beans, cooked to perfection in a bold Cajun sauce. The thick and hearty mixture is served along with white rice, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. If you’re looking for a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the soul, then Red Beans Rice is the answer!

Why You’ll Love This Red Beans Rice

This dish is a favorite for many reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the Cajun spices and smoked sausage. Secondly, it’s versatile; you can easily adapt it to make a vegetarian red beans and rice option or add more heat for a spicy red beans and rice experience. It’s also a quick red beans and rice dish that can be made in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, it’s a great meal prep option, as the flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better. Whether you are serving it as a main dish or as a side, this red bean and rice dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients for Red Beans Rice

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon olive oil
16 ounces smoked andouille sausage (sliced)
1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 stalks celery (chopped small)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon thyme
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 15-ounce cans kidney beans (3 drained and rinsed, 1 undrained)
1 bay leaf
1 ¼ cups long grain white rice
2 ½ cups water
green onions (sliced)

How to Make Red Beans Rice Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the sliced sausage and brown for about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the sausage to a plate.
Step 2: Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and cayenne. Stir until everything is combined.
Step 4: Return the sausage to the pot and add the beans and bay leaf. Stir, cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Uncover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 25 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: While the beans simmer, combine the rice and water in a small pot and cook according to the package directions.
Step 7: Remove the bay leaf. Serve the beans warm with the cooked rice.

Pro Tips for the Best Red Beans Rice

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.
For a vegetarian red beans and rice option, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based alternative.
Cook on low heat to develop richer flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Red Beans Rice

This dish is great on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with:

Warm, crusty bread for dipping.
A fresh side salad to balance the richness.
For added flavor, top with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of hot sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Red Beans Rice

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This dish is perfect for red beans rice meal prep, providing delicious meals throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Beans Rice

What’s the secret to perfect Red Beans Rice?

The secret lies in the seasoning! Using a good Cajun spice blend enhances the flavor, and allowing the dish to simmer helps meld the ingredients beautifully.

Can I make Red Beans Rice ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to deepen. Make it a day in advance and simply reheat before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Beans Rice?

To avoid mistakes, make sure to rinse the beans well to get rid of excess sodium. Also, avoid overcooking the rice to keep it fluffy.

Variations of Red Beans Rice You Can Try

There are many delicious variations to explore:

Creole red beans with rice: Add diced tomatoes and bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
Southern red beans and rice recipe: Incorporate spices like bay leaves and thyme for authenticity.
Best red beans and rice variations: Experiment with different proteins, such as chicken or shrimp, for a unique twist.

Red Beans Rice: 6 Comforting Recipes You Must Try - Red Beans Rice - main visual representation

For more details on the history of this dish, check out this article.

Red Beans Rice: 6 Comforting Recipes You Must Try - Red Beans Rice - additional detail

To learn about the nutritional benefits of beans, visit this resource.

For tips on cooking rice perfectly, refer to this guide.