Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

If you want a cozy, budget friendly meal that tastes rich, warm, and full of Creole comfort, this Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is the one to make. The pot fills the kitchen with a smoky, savory smell that feels like home. It is simple enough for weeknights and special enough to share. This is one of those recipes you will want to pin for later.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound dry red beans, rinsed
• 6 cups water or broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup sliced smoked sausage (optional)
• Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until soft and the edges look a little golden.
2. Add the garlic and stir for one minute until it smells fragrant.
3. Add the beans, water or broth, smoked paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Creole seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir well.
4. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 1 to 2 hours until the beans are soft.
5. Add the smoked sausage if using. Let it simmer 15 minutes so the flavor blends into the pot.
6. Use the back of a spoon to mash some of the beans along the side of the pot. This makes the sauce creamy and thick.
7. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Remove the bay leaf.
8. Spoon the red beans over hot cooked rice and enjoy.

Tips and Helpful Notes

For a creamier texture, mash a few extra beans near the end of cooking. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce. This dish works well with smoked turkey, ham hocks, or can stay fully meat free for a vegetarian green beans style twist, especially if you enjoy simple plant based meals.

While this recipe is centered on red beans, many readers also love making green bean sides with it. If you enjoy Green Bean Recipes Southern or want something fast like Green Bean Recipes From Can, you can serve those on the side. Even dishes like Saucy Green Beans or Million Dollar Green Beans taste great next to red beans and rice. And if you like a fancy touch, try a small bowl of Gourmet Green Beans or even Cowboy Green Beans on the table.

If you want a fun snack to serve before dinner, these cheddar cheese straws are a great option: Cheddar Cheese Straw Recipe.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with rice, crusty bread, or cornbread.
• Add a simple side salad or a warm vegetable dish like Cut Green Beans Recipe for a full meal.
• Top with chopped green onions for fresh flavor.

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

A hearty and comforting Creole classic, Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is simmered with smoky spices, tender red beans, and optional sausage. It’s budget-friendly, full of flavor, and perfect for both weeknights and gatherings. Serve over rice for a complete, soul-warming meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main

Cuisine: Creole

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound dry red beans rinsed
• 6 cups water or broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt more to taste
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Creole seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup sliced smoked sausage optional
• Cooked white rice for serving

Equipment

• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until soft and the edges look a little golden.
2. Add the garlic and stir for one minute until it smells fragrant.
3. Add the beans, water or broth, smoked paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Creole seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir well.
4. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 1 to 2 hours until the beans are soft.
5. Add the smoked sausage if using. Let it simmer 15 minutes so the flavor blends into the pot.
6. Use the back of a spoon to mash some of the beans along the side of the pot. This makes the sauce creamy and thick.
7. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Remove the bay leaf.
8. Spoon the red beans over hot cooked rice and enjoy.

Notes

• For a creamier texture, mash a few extra beans near the end of cooking.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
• This can be made meatless by skipping the sausage and using vegetable broth.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat on low heat, adding a little water if the sauce gets too thick.

FAQs

Why are my red beans still firm?
Old beans take longer to soften. Keep cooking and add a splash of water if needed. Avoid adding acidic ingredients too early because they slow softening.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. This keeps the dish hearty and pairs well with simple sides like the best can green bean recipe or even quick saucy green beans.

Can I use canned beans?
Yes, but reduce the liquid since canned beans are already cooked. Simmer only long enough to blend flavors. The texture will be softer but still tasty.

Conclusion

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is warm, simple, and full of flavor. It is perfect for busy nights or slow weekends. If you enjoyed this recipe, save it to Pinterest so you can find it again anytime.