Loaded Red Beans

Sink your spoon into a soul-warming bowl of Loaded Red Beans, a hearty and flavorful dish that pays homage to classic Southern comfort food. Perfectly tender red beans are simmered low and slow with savory smoked sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices like smoked paprika and cumin, creating a rich and smoky flavor profile. A splash of chicken broth and a touch of mashed beans lend a luscious, creamy texture to the dish. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh green onions, this one-pot wonder is a hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re craving comfort or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner rotation, this recipe is a satisfying blend of taste and tradition, with the option to add hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 0.25 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 0 hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried red beans under cold water, removing any debris or broken beans, and soak them in water overnight. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 5

Add the soaked and drained red beans, bay leaves, chicken broth, and 6 cups of water to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves and mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon to thicken the liquid slightly.

Step 8

Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve the loaded red beans over cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a dash of hot sauce, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4248.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3899.8

Total Fat 131.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 240.1mg	0%
Sodium 9161.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 500.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 79.7g	0%
Total Sugars 26.2g
Protein 177.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 852.6mg	0%
Iron 41.7mg	0%
Potassium 8857.8mg	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: 30.3%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 51.4%