Description

This Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe brings hearty, soulful flavor with creamy red beans simmered in spices and aromatics, served over fluffy rice. A comforting classic, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

1 lb dry red beans (kidney or small red beans), soaked overnight or quick-soaked

1 tbsp oil

1 onion, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning

2 bay leaves

1 tsp dried thyme or oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

6 cups chicken broth or water (more as needed)

Optional: 12 oz andouille or smoked sausage, sliced

2 cups long-grain white rice

Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, parsley, hot sauce

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Instructions

Soak red beans overnight or use quick soak method. Drain before using.
In a large pot, sauté onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic in oil until softened.
Add beans, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, thyme, broth or water, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid if needed.
If using sausage, stir in toward the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cook until beans are creamy and tender.
Mash some of the beans against the pot to naturally thicken the mixture.
Meanwhile, cook rice separately until fluffy.
Serve beans over rice. Garnish with green onions, parsley, and a dash of hot sauce if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth.

Add greens like kale or spinach near the end for added nutrients.

Spice it up with extra cayenne or hot sauce to taste.

Cook in a slow cooker after sautéing vegetables: 6–8 hours on low.

Beans taste better the next day—perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking)
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmered
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (beans and rice)
Calories: 390
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 11g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 20mg