Go Back
Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Growing up in New Orleans, we ate this red beans and rice recipe every Monday. This budget-friendly meal is easy to make and tastes even better the next day!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 8
Calories 374 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and brown for about 3 minutes.
  • Add in the onion, celery, and green bell pepper and saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook 1 additional minute, until fragrant.
  • Add in red beans, veggie broth or water, and cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer on low for 3 hours. Stirring occasionally. Checking and adjusting liquid if necessary. The beans should be soft enough to mash with a potato masher or fork.
  • Toward the end of cooking, mash a small section of the beans (making sure to move the sausage out of the way) with a fork or potato masher (this gives it that signature creamy consistency). Stir.
  • Add salt. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. If your beans still aren't super soft, add 1/2-1 cup of water (if they are looking dry), cover, and continue cooking until the beans are to your liking.
  • Serve with white rice and garnish with green onion. Enjoy!

Notes

Store & Reheat

Red beans and rice is known to be even better the next day. This recipe makes leftovers that you'll actually be excited to eat!

Store

Fridge: Transfer red beans to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid. Allow it to cool to room temperature before securing the lid (about 30-45 minutes; the exact time depends on the amount of red beans). Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze the red beans for up to 3 months. Place the red beans in the fridge to thaw overnight for best results.

Reheat

Microwave: Place red beans in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on high for 1-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly.*
Stovetop: Place red beans in a pot over medium heat, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. Stir occasionally.*
Oven: Not recommended.
* Total time depends on the amount you are reheating.
Keyword Authentic Red Beans and Rice, Red Beans and Rice, Red Beans And Rice Recipe