Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a classic Southern dish packed with bold flavors and a rich history. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Slow-cooked red beans with smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of Cajun spices create a comforting and flavorful meal. Itโs budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Red kidney beans
- Andouille sausage (or smoked sausage)
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Celery
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Bay leaves
- Cajun seasoning
- Thyme
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Cooked white rice
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Beans:ย If using dried beans, soak them overnight in water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Sautรฉ the Sausage:ย In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sliced andouille sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:ย In the same pot, sautรฉ the onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients:ย Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer:ย Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy. Add water or broth if needed.
- Mash Some Beans:ย Use a spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to create a thick, creamy texture.
- Add the Sausage:ย Return the cooked sausage to the pot and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve:ย Spoon over cooked white rice and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 6-8
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 2 hours
- Total Time:ย 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option:ย Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
- Spicier Version:ย Increase the hot sauce, use a spicier sausage, or add diced jalapeรฑos.
- Different Protein:ย Swap andouille sausage for ham hocks, smoked turkey, or bacon.
- Creamier Texture:ย Blend a portion of the beans before serving for an even thicker consistency.
- Instant Pot Version:ย Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes with a natural release for 20 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer:ย Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:ย Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
How do I make this dish faster?
Using canned beans instead of dried beans can cut the cooking time significantly. Just reduce the simmering time to about 30 minutes.
Can I use a different type of bean?
Red kidney beans are traditional, but you can use pinto beans or small red beans as a substitute.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is the most commonly used, but you can also serve it with brown rice or cauliflower rice.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients to a slow cooker (except for the rice and garnishes) and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure the sausage and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
How can I thicken the beans?
Mash some beans against the side of the pot or let the mixture simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.
Whatโs the best way to add more flavor?
Use a smoked meat (like a ham hock) and adjust the seasoning with extra Cajun spice or hot sauce.
Can I make this without sausage?
Absolutely! You can use a plant-based sausage or add more vegetables for a meat-free version.
How do I prevent beans from being too hard?
Soak them overnight and make sure to simmer them long enough. Acidic ingredients like tomatoes can also slow down softening, so add them later if needed.
What can I serve with Louisiana Red Beans and Rice?
Cornbread, collard greens, or a side salad make excellent accompaniments.
Conclusion
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish thatโs perfect for any occasion. Whether you make it traditionally, spice it up, or customize it to fit your diet, this dish delivers a satisfying meal every time. Enjoy it fresh or save leftovers for easy meals later. However you prepare it, this Southern staple is sure to become a favorite!
Print
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a classic Creole dish thatโs full of smoky, spicy flavors. Traditionally slow-cooked with ham hocks or sausage, these tender red beans are served over fluffy rice for a comforting and hearty meal. This dish is a staple in Southern cooking, often enjoyed on Mondays in New Orleans as an easy way to use up leftover meats.
Ingredients
For the Beans:
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound smoked sausage (like andouille), sliced
- 1 ham hock (optional, for extra flavor)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans:ย Drain and rinse the soaked red beans. Set aside.
- Sautรฉ the Vegetables:ย In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sautรฉ for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the Sausage:ย Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. If using a ham hock, add it now.
- Simmer the Beans:ย Stir in the soaked beans, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, bay leaves, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy.
- Cook the Rice:ย While the beans are simmering, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot. Add the rice and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Mash Some Beans:ย To thicken the dish, use the back of a spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot. Stir well to create a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve:ย Remove the bay leaves and discard the ham hock (if used). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the red beans over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
- Short on time?ย Use canned red beans (rinsed and drained) and reduce the simmering time to 30 minutes.
- Want it spicier?ย Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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