Print

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

A classic Louisiana Creole dish featuring slow-simmered red beans and smoked sausage served over fluffy white rice. This hearty, comforting meal is packed with bold flavors from aromatic vegetables, spices, and smoky sausage, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or traditional Sunday family gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 1 lb (450 g) dry red kidney beans or 2 cans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables & Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Creole seasoning (optional)
  • A few drops hot sauce (optional)

Liquids & Meat

  • 6 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced (e.g., andouille)

Serving

  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • Green onions or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: If using dry beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight in cold water. Alternatively, for quick soaking, boil the beans for 2 minutes, turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for 1 hour before draining.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute to release their fragrances.
  3. Simmer the Beans and Sausage: Add the soaked (or canned) beans, water or chicken broth, and sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, mashing some beans to create a creamy consistency, or add more water to achieve the desired thickness.
  4. Cook the Rice: While the beans simmer, prepare the white rice according to package instructions until fluffy and cooked through.
  5. Serve the Dish: Spoon the hearty red beans and sausage over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for freshness. Add a few drops of hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.

Notes

  • Use andouille sausage for authentic smoky flavor, but any smoked sausage works well.
  • Adjust cayenne and hot sauce amounts based on your spice preference.
  • For vegetarian or vegan options, omit sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
  • Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice, Red Beans Recipe, Creole Beans, Andouille Sausage, Southern Comfort Food, Easy Bean Stew

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/louisiana-red-beans-and-rice-recipe/