Capture the bold and savory flavors of New Orleans with this irresistible copycat recipe for Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice II. Creamy red beans, infused with the deep smokiness of a ham hock and the subtle kick of Cajun spices like cayenne, paprika, and liquid smoke, are paired perfectly with fluffy white rice for a soul-satisfying dish. Ready in under an hour and made with pantry-friendly ingredients like canned red beans and garlic powder, this Southern classic is as easy as it is comforting. Whether served as a hearty side dish or a standalone meal, this recipe delivers the iconic taste of Louisiana in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, it’s a must-try for fans of authentic Southern cooking.
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Rinse and drain the canned red beans and set them aside.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add the smoked ham hock to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, to release its smoky flavor.
Add the drained red beans, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, liquid smoke, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the lid and use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently mash about half of the beans in the pot. This will help achieve a creamy texture while still leaving some whole beans intact. Cook for an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
While the beans are simmering, prepare the white rice according to the package instructions if it is not already cooked.
Remove the ham hock from the pot and discard or shred the meat to serve alongside the dish, if desired.
Taste the red beans and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
To serve, scoop a generous portion of cooked white rice into a bowl or plate, then ladle the warm and creamy red beans over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
Serving size | (1944.1g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2108.7 |
Total Fat 69.8g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 34.9g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
Cholesterol 194mg | 0% |
Sodium 6067.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 324.1g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 45.0g | 0% |
Total Sugars 7.5g | |
Protein 78.2g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 398.1mg | 0% |
Iron 23.5mg | 0% |
Potassium 3340.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories