Red Beans and Rice Recipe
This red beans and rice recipe is a comforting Louisiana classic made with tender red beans, smoky sausage, aromatic veggies, and fluffy rice. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Red beans canned or dried, soaked overnight if using dried
- Smoked sausage andouille or any smoked sausage
- Onion celery, and bell pepper (the Cajun “Holy Trinity”)
- Garlic cloves
- Cajun or Creole seasoning
- Bay leaves
- Chicken broth or water
- Cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown sliced sausage until lightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add red beans and chicken broth. Stir, then bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook until beans are tender and sauce thickens (about 1–1.5 hours if using dried beans; 30 minutes if canned).
- Return sausage to the pot and simmer 10 more minutes.
- Serve hot over cooked white rice, garnished with parsley and green onions.
Notes
For creamier beans, mash a few against the side of the pot while cooking.
Adjust spice level with extra cayenne or hot sauce.
Make it vegetarian by skipping sausage and using smoked paprika.