Name: Louisiana Red Beans And Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound dried red beans; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning; 1 bay leaf; 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced; 6 cups water or chicken broth; 1 cup rice, cooked; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Louisiana Red Beans and Rice simmering away on the stovetop. The smoky, savory scent of andouille sausage, combined with the rich, creamy texture of slow-cooked red beans, makes this dish a Southern classic that's hard to resist.

I first fell in love with red beans and rice during a trip to New Orleans, where I discovered just how flavorful and hearty this humble dish can be. Now, it’s a regular part of my meal rotation, especially on busy weeknights when I want something satisfying yet easy to prepare.

Why You'll Love This Louisiana Red Beans And Rice

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner lineup! This Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe is packed with bold Cajun flavors, making it an absolute must-try.

First off, it’s budget-friendly. Made with affordable pantry staples like dried beans, rice, and simple seasonings, this meal is perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

It's also incredibly easy to make. While it does take some time to simmer, the hands-on work is minimal, making it a great choice for meal prep or slow-cooking on a lazy weekend.

Plus, this dish is loaded with flavor. The combination of andouille sausage, Cajun spices, and the classic “holy trinity” of onions, bell peppers, and celery creates an irresistibly rich and smoky taste.

Lastly, it’s a one-pot wonder. Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, which is always a win in my book!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Louisiana Red Beans and Rice lies in its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Each one brings a crucial element of flavor, texture, or heartiness to the dish.

Red beans are the star of the show. Using dried red beans (soaked overnight) gives the dish its signature creamy texture as they break down during cooking. Canned beans can work in a pinch, but the final result won’t be as velvety.

Andouille sausage adds a deep, smoky flavor with just the right amount of spice. If you can’t find andouille, smoked sausage or chorizo are excellent substitutes.

The holy trinity—a mix of onions, bell peppers, and celery—is a staple in Cajun and Creole cooking. This aromatic trio builds a strong flavor base for the beans.

Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika bring the heat and depth of flavor. If you like extra spice, a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper can kick things up a notch.

Finally, long-grain white rice is the perfect pairing for the beans. It soaks up all the rich, savory flavors, making every bite pure comfort food. A rice cooker can make this step even easier.

How To Make This Louisiana Red Beans And Rice

Making Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to bring this classic dish to life.

Start by soaking your red beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This helps soften them for even cooking and reduces overall cook time.

The next day, sauté your andouille sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Let it brown for about 5 minutes, releasing all those smoky, flavorful oils. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

In the same pot, sauté the holy trinity—onions, bell peppers, and celery—until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in some minced garlic and let it cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

Now, add your soaked beans, along with chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beans will gradually break down, creating a thick, creamy sauce.

Once the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked sausage and let everything simmer for another 15 minutes. If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

Serve the beans over fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh parsley and a few dashes of hot sauce. Enjoy the incredible flavors of this Southern classic!

Storage Options

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Rice can be reheated separately in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika will help mimic the smoky depth of andouille.

Want to make it even heartier? Add shredded chicken or shrimp during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra protein boost.

For a spicier kick, stir in a diced jalapeño or extra cayenne pepper while sautéing the vegetables.

If you’re short on time, use canned red beans instead of dried ones. Just reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes since canned beans are already softened.

Feel free to experiment with different rice varieties! Brown rice or cauliflower rice work well if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy your homemade taste of Louisiana!