Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this classic red beans and rice recipe. Slow-simmered red beans, smoky sausage, and fluffy rice come together in a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Learn tips, substitutions, and serving ideas to make it your own.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb dried red beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb smoked sausage (Andouille, kielbasa, or turkey sausage), sliced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the beans: Rinse dried beans, removing debris. Soak overnight if using dried.
- Cook aromatics: Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery until tender. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add sausage: Brown sliced sausage in the pot with aromatics.
- Simmer beans: Add beans, broth, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook 90–120 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust liquid if needed.
- Cook rice: Prepare rice separately according to package instructions.
- Finish & serve: Spoon beans over rice, garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning gradually throughout cooking.
- For vegan version, skip sausage and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth.
- Beans can be stored separately from rice for best texture.
- Flavors improve if made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Creole / Southern
- Cuisine: Stove-top simmer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg