Quick and Easy Red Beans and Rice
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Quick and easy red beans and rice recipe ready in just 30 minutes! This flavorful dinner is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
This Quick and Easy Red Beans and Rice recipe is a flavor-packed dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re short on time or just craving comfort food with bold Cajun flavor, this recipe delivers!
I love classic red beans and rice, but I rarely have hours to spend cooking it the way it’s traditionally made. That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy smoked sausage and red beans on a busy weeknight! This version captures all the flavor of New Orleans-style beans and rice—but in a fraction of the time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Made with pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights.
- Andouille sausage – Make sure you use andouille sausage for that signature Louisiana flavor!
- Beans – Traditional red beans and rice take hours because you start with dried beans. We’re taking a shortcut and using canned beans. I’m not always able to find canned Red beans in my area, so I substitute with Kidney beans.
- Olive oil – You’ll use a little olive oil to cook your veggies.
- Vegetables – In New Orleans the “holy trinity” is a combination of green bell pepper, celery, and onion cooked together for a signature flavor.
- Cajun or Creole seasoning – This spicy, smoky mixture gives you all of the flavor.
- Garlic powder – I use garlic powder because I always shave it on hand, but you could also throw in fresh minced garlic with your pepper and cook it.
- White rice – The red beans are served over the white rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook Rice. Cook the white rice according to instructions.
Step 2 – Sauté the Holy Trinity. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
Step 3 – Add Sausage. Stir in the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until sausage is browned.
Step 4 – Season and Simmer. Add the red beans or kidney beans, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5 – Simmer & Serve. Let it simmer covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6 – Serve. Spoon the mixture over hot, cooked rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a splash of hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
- Pair with cornbread or hushpuppies for a Southern feast.
- Serve with a side of collard greens.
- Add a simple mixed green salad with Italian dressing to balance the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes! Soak 1 cup dry red beans overnight, then cook until tender before using.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
It’s flavorful but mild. You can easily add more heat if you like it spicy.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
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Quick and Easy Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced
- 30 ounces Canned Red beans or Kidney beans, do NOT drain
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 stalk Celery, diced
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 cup White rice
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until sausage is browned.
- Add the beans, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let it simmer covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Nutrition
