Description
Simple Red Beans And Rice is the kind of hearty comfort food that makes dinner feel easy, filling, and completely satisfying. Tender red beans, smoky sausage, soft vegetables, and fluffy rice come together in one cozy Southern-inspired dish that is perfect for a quick dinner, easy meal prep, family dinner ideas, and budget-friendly food ideas. It is rich in flavor, simple to make, and a great choice when you want an easy recipe that tastes like it simmered all day.
Ingredients
1 cup dried red beans
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups cooked white rice
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Rinse the dried red beans and soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain before cooking.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the soaked red beans, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.
7. Mash a small spoonful of beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in if you want a creamier texture.
8. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve the red beans hot over cooked white rice.
10. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Avoid adding too much salt at the beginning if your sausage and broth are already salty, because the flavors concentrate as the beans simmer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 30mg