Red Beans and Rice Like Popeye's

Bring a taste of the South to your table with this irresistible "Red Beans and Rice Like Popeye's" recipe, a comforting classic inspired by the beloved fast-food chain. This hearty dish features tender red kidney beans simmered to perfection with smoky slices of Andouille or Kielbasa sausage, fragrant aromatics like diced onion, celery, and bell pepper, and a medley of bold spices, including smoked paprika and cayenne. Slow-cooked in a savory broth, the beans develop a creamy texture that pairs flawlessly with fluffy white rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this one-pot meal offers rich Cajun flavors and can be topped with fresh parsley and a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. Simple, soulful, and satisfying, this copycat red beans and rice recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried red kidney beans
• 12 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa, sliced)
• 1 large yellow onion (finely diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 4 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for added richness)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 0 hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried red kidney beans thoroughly under cold water and check for any debris or broken beans. Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl filled with water. Drain and rinse them before cooking.

Step 2

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.

Step 5

Pour in the broth and add the soaked beans, cooked sausage, bay leaves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For added richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter at the end of cooking.

Step 8

Serve the red beans over freshly cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and a dash of hot sauce, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3640.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4373.8

Total Fat 138.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g
Cholesterol 262.1mg	0%
Sodium 8200.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 589.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 82.1g	0%
Total Sugars 29.9g
Protein 195.4g	0%

Vitamin D 14IU	0%
Calcium 1020.9mg	0%
Iron 56.5mg	0%
Potassium 8704.7mg	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: 28.5%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 53.7%