Name: Red Beans & Rice
Prep time: 12 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Creole
Ingredients: 1 lb dried red beans; 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 6 cups chicken stock or broth; 2 cups long-grain white rice

Classic Red Beans & Rice is a timeless dish steeped in rich Creole tradition, delivering hearty, spicy comfort with every spoonful. This recipe combines perfectly cooked red beans, aromatic spices, and flavorful sausage, all simmered slowly to create a luscious, soul-satisfying meal. Easy to make and full of genuine flavor, Red Beans & Rice brings a taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen, making it a beloved staple for family dinners and festive occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True Creole Flavor: Experience an authentic taste of New Orleans with each bite packed full of seasoning and tradition.
Hearty and Filling: The combination of beans, rice, and sausage creates a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Budget-Friendly: Red Beans & Rice is economical, using simple pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with most of the magic happening in a single pot or slow cooker.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapted to your dietary likes, whether you want it spicy, smoky, or vegetarian.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This classic red beans & rice recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver its signature flavor, appealing texture, and vibrant color. Every element, from spices to sausage, plays an important role in bringing this dish alive.

Red Beans: The foundation of the dish, these creamy, tender beans soak up all the bold spices.
Andouille Sausage: Adds smoky, spicy depth and richness to the beans and broth.
Onion, Celery, and Bell Pepper: The holy trinity of Creole cooking, providing aromatic sweetness and body.
Garlic: For that punch of savory warmth in every spoonful.
Bay Leaves and Thyme: Classic herbs that infuse the dish with earthy, herbal notes.
Smoked Paprika and Cajun Seasoning: Bring that signature Creole heat and color.
Long-Grain White Rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up the flavors of the beans.
Chicken Stock or Broth: Adds savory richness, elevating the beans beyond basic water.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and accentuate the dish’s flavors.

Variations for Red Beans & Rice

One of the best things about this classic red beans & rice recipe is how easily it adapts to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these simple variation ideas.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and boost flavor with smoked paprika, chipotle, or vegan sausage.
Spicier Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeño for a fiery twist.
Protein Swap: Substitute andouille with smoked ham hock, turkey sausage, or even shrimp.
Brown Rice Option: Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but cook it separately.
Slow Cooker Friendly: Let the ingredients simmer low and slow for hours to deepen flavor.

Classic Red Beans & Rice Steeped in Rich Creole Tradition

How to Make Red Beans & Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Start by rinsing the dried red beans thoroughly and soaking them overnight or using a quick soak method. This reduces cooking time and ensures creamy, tender beans.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in diced garlic, then add sliced andouille sausage, letting it brown slightly to release its smoky flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Beans

Add the soaked, drained beans to the pot along with chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the beans are tender and the broth is thick and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

While the beans simmer, cook the long-grain white rice separately according to package instructions, aiming for fluffy, perfect grains ready to absorb the flavorful beans.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Remove bay leaves and thyme stems, then season the bean mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the piping hot beans over a bed of rice, garnish as desired, and serve immediately for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making Red Beans & Rice

Patience Pays Off: Low and slow simmering unlocks the best flavors and perfect bean texture.
Don’t Skip Soaking: Soaking helps reduce cooking time and prevents cracked skins on the beans.
Stir Often: Keeps the beans from sticking to the pot and helps create a creamy consistency.
Adjust Thickness: Mash some beans against the pot sides for extra creaminess if desired.
Use Quality Sausage: A good, flavorful andouille sausage makes a big difference in taste.

How to Serve Red Beans & Rice

Garnishes

Freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of parsley, or a dash of hot sauce complement the richness of the beans perfectly, adding bright pops of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside simple cornbread, sautéed greens, or a crisp salad for a balanced, satisfying meal that highlights Creole flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Red Beans & Rice stuffed inside bell peppers or as a filling in burritos or stuffed potatoes, turning the classic dish into a versatile culinary adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Red Beans & Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes very well—portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy texture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Absolutely! Using canned beans will save time, but reduce the liquid slightly and shorten the cooking time to avoid mushy beans.

What type of rice works best with Red Beans & Rice?

Long-grain white rice is traditional and provides the perfect fluffy base, but jasmine or basmati rice can also work well.

Is Red Beans & Rice gluten-free?

Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your sausage and seasonings for any hidden gluten ingredients.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness can be adjusted to your liking, from mild to fiery, by controlling the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot peppers used.

Can I make Red Beans & Rice in a pressure cooker?

Yes, a pressure cooker greatly reduces cooking time and still results in tender beans and rich flavor—just follow your device’s guidelines for beans and rice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s both simple to make and rich in tradition, this Red Beans & Rice recipe is your perfect go-to. It brings warmth, heartiness, and a touch of Creole magic to any table—so why not give it a try and savor a little taste of New Orleans in your own kitchen?

Red Beans & Rice

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 12 hours (including soaking)
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Creole
Diet: Gluten-Free (if sausage and seasonings are gluten-free)

Print Recipe

Description

Classic Red Beans & Rice is a hearty and flavorful Creole dish featuring tender red beans simmered with smoky andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and bold spices. Served over fluffy long-grain white rice, this comforting meal brings the authentic taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with an easy one-pot preparation ideal for family dinners and festive occasions.

Instructions

Prepare the Beans: Rinse the dried red beans thoroughly and soak them overnight or use a quick soak method to reduce cooking time and ensure creamy, tender beans.
Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper; cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic, then add sliced andouille sausage, browning slightly to release smoky flavor.
Simmer the Beans: Add soaked and drained beans to the pot along with chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and broth is thick and creamy.
Cook the Rice: While beans simmer, cook long-grain white rice separately according to package instructions until fluffy and perfectly cooked.
Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Season bean mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon hot beans over rice, garnish as desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Patience Pays Off: Slow simmering unlocks best flavors and perfect bean texture.
Don’t Skip Soaking: Soaking reduces cooking time and prevents cracked bean skins.
Stir Often: Prevents sticking and helps create a creamy consistency.
Adjust Thickness: Mash some beans against pot sides for extra creaminess if desired.
Use Quality Sausage: A flavorful andouille sausage enhances taste significantly.