cajun red beans and rice recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cajun red beans and rice recipe
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The Best cajun red beans and rice recipe

I’ve been making this cajun red beans and rice recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic dish that originated in Louisiana, where it’s a staple in many Cajun households.

The combination of flavors and textures is just right – the smoky flavor of the andouille sausage, the richness of the beef broth, and the earthiness of the red beans all come together to create a truly satisfying meal. And the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some simple preparation.

I love serving it with a side of crusty French bread or over rice, and it’s also great as a one-pot meal that can be reheated for days. My kids adore helping me cook this recipe, and they’re always eager to get involved in the process.

Whether we’re having a big family gathering or just a regular Tuesday dinner, this cajun red beans and rice recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber from the beans, making it a nutritious option for our family meals.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the beans themselves – I like to use dried red kidney beans that I soak overnight before cooking them down with some onion and garlic. This helps to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

And don’t even get me started on the importance of using good-quality sausage – I prefer using homemade sausage made from pork shoulder that’s been slow-cooked with some brown sugar and spices until it’s nice and caramelized.

Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Cajun Red Beans and Rice

4.6 from 994 votes

A classic Cajun dish featuring red beans simmered with spices and served over fluffy rice. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for a comforting dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Red Beans

1 lb red beans
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb andouille sausage, sliced

For the Rice

2 cups long-grain rice
4 cups water
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the red beans under cold water and set aside.
2In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery.
4Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
5Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
6Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
7Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
8Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and red beans to the pot.
9Stir well to combine.
10Bring the mixture to a boil.
11Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12The beans should be tender and the liquid should have thickened slightly.
13While the beans are simmering, prepare the rice.
14In a separate pot, bring the water to a boil.
15Add the rice and salt.
16Stir once, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
17Cook until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
18Fluff with a fork and set aside.
19Once the beans are tender, stir in the sliced andouille sausage.
20Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the sausage is heated through.
21Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
22To serve, spoon the cooked rice into bowls and ladle the red bean mixture over the top.
23Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
24Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added spice, serve with hot sauce on the side. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.

Watch Video Of How Cajun Red Beans and Rice Works

This cajun red beans and rice recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re having a big family gathering or just a regular Tuesday dinner. It’s also great as a one-pot meal that can be reheated for days.

One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to store leftovers – simply refrigerate or freeze them for later use. You can reheat this dish in several ways: by microwave (about 2-3 minutes), on stovetop (over low heat), or even in slow cooker (6-8 hours).

Always serve over rice or with crusty French bread for added texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Q: What is cajun red beans and rice?

This dish is a classic one-pot meal that originated in Louisiana, where it’s still a staple in many Cajun households.

Q: What are the main ingredients in this recipe?

The main ingredients in this recipe are red kidney beans, sausage (preferably homemade), onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper.

Q: How do you cook the red beans?

To cook the red beans, you need to soak them overnight before cooking them down with some onion and garlic.

Q: Can I use canned red beans instead of dried ones?

No! Using canned red beans will change the flavor profile entirely.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe takes about an hour to prepare – mostly because of soaking time for dried kidney beans.

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