Kielbasa Red Beans and Rice

Savor the bold, comforting flavors of the South with this hearty Kielbasa Red Beans and Rice recipe. Packed with smoky slices of kielbasa sausage, tender red beans, and perfectly spiced long-grain rice, this one-pot wonder is a true Cajun classic. Aromatics like sautéed onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic create a fragrant base, while Cajun seasoning, paprika, and thyme infuse every bite with zesty warmth. Simmered in chicken broth for rich flavor and topped with fresh green onions, this dish is a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour. Serve with a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat! Keywords: Kielbasa Red Beans and Rice, Cajun recipe, one-pot meal, weeknight dinner, Southern comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces kielbasa sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked red beans
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped
• 0 to taste hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Slice the kielbasa sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Return the kielbasa to the skillet and add the cooked red beans, chicken broth, rice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 8

Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with hot sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1919.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1859.3

Total Fat 89.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 160.1mg	0%
Sodium 6169.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 181.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.7g	0%
Total Sugars 16.6g
Protein 80.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 381.0mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 3644.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.5%

Protein: 17.4%

Carbs: 39.1%