Red Beans and Rice is a Southern comfort food classic that combines tender beans, smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and bold seasonings into one hearty meal.
Slow-simmered until rich and flavorful, this Louisiana-inspired dish is affordable, filling, and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and Sunday suppers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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Budget-friendly meal
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Packed with flavor
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Great for meal prep
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Hearty comfort food
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Easy one-pot recipe
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Family favorite
Ingredients
For The Beans
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1 pound dried red beans, soaked overnight
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1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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8 cups chicken broth
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2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
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4 cups cooked white rice
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Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Brown The Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven.
Add sausage and cook until browned.
Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook The Vegetables
Add:
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Onion
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Bell pepper
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Celery
Cook for 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Build The Pot
Add:
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Red beans
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Chicken broth
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Cajun seasoning
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Smoked paprika
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Bay leaf
Stir well.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 2 to 2½ hours.
Stir occasionally.
Step 5: Add Sausage
Return sausage to the pot.
Continue cooking for 30 minutes.
Mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot to create a creamier texture.
Step 6: Serve
Remove bay leaf.
Serve over hot white rice.
Garnish with green onions.
Tips For The Best Red Beans and Rice
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Soak beans overnight.
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Smoked sausage adds the best flavor.
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Simmer low and slow.
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Mash a few beans for a creamy consistency.
What To Serve With Red Beans and Rice
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Southern Cornbread
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Fried Chicken
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Collard Greens
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Fried Cabbage
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Candied Yams
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
More Southern Recipes You'll Love
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Southern Cornbread
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Collard Greens
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Fried Cabbage
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Chicken Fried Steak
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Smothered Pork Chops
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Sweet Potato Pie
Final Thoughts
This Southern Red Beans and Rice recipe is hearty, comforting, and packed with smoky Cajun flavor. It's the kind of meal that gets even better the next day and belongs in every comfort food collection.