Red Beans and Rice Recipe (2024)

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What happens in New Orleans shouldn’t stay in New Orleans if it’s as delicious as Red Beans and Rice. Learn how to make weeknight Red Beans and Rice in just 40 minutes (that tastes like it’s been simmering all day).

While Red Beans and Rice is a Monday tradition in many homes and restaurants in New Orleans, the origin story actually begins during Sunday supper. On Sunday, man cooks would roast ham, and come Monday, the leftover ham bone would be put to use alongside red beans to simmer low and slow all day until dinner.

The classic preparation calls for red beans, ham and perhaps other pork products, vegetables, herbs, and spices which bubble down into a creamy, savory stew to serve over rice.

The combination of rice and beans is not unique to Louisiana, of course. For centuries, cultures across the globe have turned to beans and rice as affordable, filling, and nutritious fuel.

My rendition of Red Beans and Rice packs a hint of Cajun flair to give a nod to those New Orleans roots. And in true melting pot fashion, I added some of my Midwestern flair with smoked sausage (although andouille will do, too). Now it’s your turn to put your signature on this classic comfort food dinner.

Recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

• Andouille sausagesor smoked sausage: If you can’t find these link-style sausages, Italian sausage can work in a pinch. Or channel a New Orleans native and cook the beans along with a ham bone or smoked ham hock.
• Canned kidney beans: If desired, substitute dry kidney beans for canned.In Step 2, add 1 ½ cups dried kidney beans and add 7 cups chicken broth and 7 cups water. Increase simmering time to 2 to 2 ½ hrs.WARNING:If you substitute dried kidney beans, you MUST pre-soak them and boil them for at least 10 minutes. (See “Recipe FAQs” for more background about why this is essential.)

Step-by-step instructions

To cook the beans:

1. In a large skillet over low heat, cook the sausage until just brown, about 5 to 8 minutes.

2. Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain if necessary.

3. Add red kidney beans, tomatoes, oregano, and ½ tsp pepper. Simmer uncovered until flavors meld, about 10 to 15 minutes.

To cook the rice:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and cook until rice is lightly toasted, about 1 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add water and salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Turn off heat, leave covered and on burner, and allow rice to continue to cook, about 15 minutes. Fluff rice with fork.

2. Season beans to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (I like 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper). Serve over a scoop of rice, passing hot sauce for serving separately.

Why I love my rice cooker

I find that rice cookers help make the fluffiest rice and when we rounded upthe best rice cookers, our top pick was my personal favorite: TheAroma Housewares Rice Cooker. It’s compact, super simple, and does exactly what it’s supposed to do without fail. My sisters, Erin and Meredith, each have the same one, and we all love it. Not to mention, it has over 6,100 positive reviews. That’s a whole lot of rice!

You can buy my favorite rice cooker for$42 at Target, or you can get the smaller 4-cup version for about$30 on Amazon.

You can cook the rice for Red Beans and Rice in the the rice cooker. Plus, rice cookers can cook polenta beautifully without stirring it for a million hours. It’s not just a one-job appliance.

Recipe tips and variations

• Yield: This recipe makes eight (1-cup) servings of Red Beans and Rice. Add a side of Collard Greens and a basket of Cornbread to pass around the table to complete your dinner menu.
• Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Upgrade your garnish game: In addition to hot sauce, consider topping your Red Beans and Rice with sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, or cajun seasoning.
• Mardi Gras:Gearing up for Fat Tuesday? I’ve pulled together30+ Mardi Gras Recipesto help you celebrate. Start withCrab CakeswithRemoulade,Fried Okra, orHush Puppiesserved with Cajun Chicken,Dirty Rice, a bowl of Hoppin’ John, orShrimp Étouffée. Finish your meal with a sweet treat such asBananas Foster, a slice of King Cake, or somePecan Pralines. Classic co*cktail options include aSazeracor aHurricane co*cktail.