Popeye's Red Beans and Rice

Bring the comforting flavors of the South to your kitchen with this copycat recipe for Popeye's Red Beans and Rice! Tender red kidney beans are slow-simmered with a smoky ham hock, aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cayenne, and a touch of garlic and onion for a rich, savory base. Served over fluffy, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice, this dish is the ultimate blend of creamy, hearty, and smoky goodness. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this Popeye's-inspired favorite is sure to satisfy. Garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and flavor, and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort right at home! Perfect for anyone craving classic Louisiana-style cuisine, this recipe is simple to prepare, soul-warming, and irresistibly delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned red kidney beans
• 1 piece smoked ham hock
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 stalks green onion, sliced (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red kidney beans in cold water and drain thoroughly.

Step 2

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring often to prevent burning.

Step 5

To the pan, add the smoked ham hock, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Add the red kidney beans to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice. In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

Step 8

Once the beans are done cooking, season them with the remaining salt and ground black pepper to taste. Use a fork or potato masher to mash some of the beans in the pot, creating a creamy consistency. Leave some beans whole for texture.

Step 9

Discard the ham hock from the bean mixture after cooking.

Step 10

To serve, place a generous scoop of the cooked rice on a plate or in a bowl, then top with the red beans. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.

Step 11

Enjoy your homemade Popeye's Red Beans and Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2274.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1983.0

Total Fat 100.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 379.5mg	0%
Sodium 8856.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 149.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.7g	0%
Total Sugars 9.1g
Protein 124.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 359.0mg	0%
Iron 18.4mg	0%
Potassium 3511.9mg	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: 45.1%

Protein: 25.0%

Carbs: 29.9%