Description
This hearty Cajun Red Beans and Rice recipe brings authentic Louisiana flavor to your kitchen with red kidney beans, Cajun spices, and smoky sausage served over fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and easy to make. Ideal for Southern comfort food lovers!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
3 cups cooked red kidney beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced (optional)
4 cups cooked white rice
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the red beans and broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. If using sausage, add it halfway through simmering.
6. Remove lid, mash some of the beans against the pot to thicken the mixture. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 more minutes.
7. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Notes
Use canned beans to save time—just rinse well before adding.
For vegetarian/vegan versions, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth.
Let the beans rest after cooking—they taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg