Red Beans and Rice

Experience the comforting flavors of the South with this classic Red Beans and Rice recipe—a hearty, one-pot meal perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender, slow-simmered dried red beans infused with smoky andouille or kielbasa sausage, aromatic vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and celery, and a medley of warming spices, this dish delivers rich, savory goodness in every bite. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh green onions, it's a satisfying and budget-friendly dinner option. Whether you're craving a taste of Louisiana or simply a cozy, protein-packed meal, this Red Beans and Rice recipe is an easy, flavorful choice. Don't forget to pair it with a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 12 ounces smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups water
• 0.25 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
• 0 hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the dried red beans to remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight. Alternatively, use the quick soak method by bringing the beans and water to a boil, removing from heat, and letting them sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the drained red beans to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. If the mixture becomes too thick, add more broth or water as needed.

Step 6

While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice. In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7

Once the beans are tender, use the back of a spoon to mash some of them against the side of the pot. This will help thicken the broth and create a creamy texture. Stir in the cooked sausage and cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.

Step 8

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper, if desired.

Step 9

To serve, spoon a generous helping of rice onto a plate or bowl and ladle the red beans and sausage over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with hot sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3845.5 grams (3845.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3235

Total Fat 104.40g	134%
Saturated Fat 33.90g	169%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 200mg	67%
Sodium 11614mg	505%
Total Carbohydrate 411.40g	150%
Dietary Fiber 77.80g	278%
Total Sugars 27.20g
Protein 172.40g	345%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 713mg	55%
Iron 31mg	173%
Potassium 7833mg	167%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.7%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 50.3%