This Easy Red Beans and Rice recipe is a classic Cajun dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to please the whole family.
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick and easy to make making it a perfect busy weekday meal.
- Packed with flavor that your entire family will enjoy.
- Made with simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
Ingredients
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- Cajun Andouille Sausage links, sliced 1-inch thick
- olive oil, divided
- white onion, peeled and chopped
- celery, chopped
- green bell peppers, chopped
- red bell pepper, chopped
- Cajun seasoning, divided store-bought can be used
- Basmati rice
- chicken broth
- red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- parsley, finely chopped
Equipment
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add Andouille sausage, saute, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer browned sausage to a plate and set aside.
- To the same skillet, over medium-high heat, add 1 Tablespoon olive oil, once warmed, add the "Holy Trinity" of Cajun cooking which is onion, celery, green pepper, and red pepper. Sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently until the vegetables soften and develop some color, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the remaining olive oil and the rice to the skillet. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, while stirring continually. Add the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet by using a wooden spoon to lightly scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add the browned Andouille sausage, kidney beans, and additional Cajun seasoning, if desired. Stir to combine and cover for 5-10 minutes, to blend flavors.
- Remove the lid. Taste for seasoning, if needed, adjust seasoning.
- Optional, sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This dish reheats well. Simply add leftovers to a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth or water to loosen things up as it reheats.
Expert Tips
Expert Tip: Cajun seasoning can vary greatly in heat level. If you are sensitive to spice, start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste for this easy red beans and rice recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are not the same. Kidney beans are a bit larger and have a darker red color. They also have a slightly sweeter flavor.
There are many things you can add to beans for flavor. Onion, garlic, celery, and green bell pepper are a classic combination of flavors used in many Louisiana dishes. You could also try adding some diced tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra bit of flavor.
This recipe can be made better for you by substituting the sausage for a leaner protein such as chicken or shrimp. You could also use brown rice in place of white rice to make it a bit healthier.
Variations
- For a little extra flavor, stir in some chopped green onions when you add the kidney beans.
- If you can't find Cajun Andouille sausage, smoked pork sausage will work great in this recipe.
- Add a little heat to the recipe by stirring in some diced jalapeno peppers when you add the onion, celery, and bell peppers.
- Switch up the protein by adding cooked shrimp, chicken, or beef.
- For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth.
- To change up the recipe, serve over Quinoa made in the Instant Pot for a great weekly meal prep idea.
Serving Suggestions
- These Quick and Easy Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, and they pair perfectly with this spicy cajun dish.
- If you are looking for a fresh and easy side dish, then look no further than this Easy Roasted Broccoli recipe.
- This Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower is another simple dish that your family will love to pair with this comforting meal.
Similar recipes
- This Cajun Mac and Cheese is the perfect blend of spices and flavors, and it's sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Whole roasted Cajun cauliflower is a super easy and tasty vegetarian recipe! It's a delicious side dish when you want something different.
- These Grilled Spicy Chicken Wings are not only delicious, but they also contain a touch of heat, making them perfect for when you are craving something spicy.
- Low-Carb Jambalaya is a great Cajun recipe to enjoy.
- Instant Pot Sausage Gumbo is another classic everyone loves and it is so easy to prepare.
- Looking for a great dessert, don't forget a festive King Cake! Everyone loves this fun cake and not just at Mardi Gras time.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cajun Style Red Beans and Rice
Equipment Needed:
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Ingredients
- 9 ounces Cajun Andouille Sausage links, sliced 1-inch thick
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup white onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup green bell peppers, chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided store bought can be used
- 1 cup Basmati rice Note 1
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15) ounce cans, red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 Tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add Andouille sausage, saute, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer browned sausage to a plate and set aside.
- To the same skillet, over medium-high heat, add 1 Tablespoon olive oil, once warmed, add the onion, celery, green pepper, and red pepper. Sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently until the vegetables soften and develop some color, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add remaining olive oil and the rice to the skillet. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, while stirring continually. Add the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet by using a wooden spoon and lightly scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove lid and add the browned Andouille sausage, kidney beans, and additional Cajun seasoning, if desired. Stir to combine and cover for 5-10 minutes, to blend flavors.
- Remove the lid. Taste for seasoning, if needed, adjust seasoning.
- Optional, sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy.
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