Simple Red Beans and Rice

Transform weeknight dinners with this hearty and flavorful Simple Red Beans and Rice recipe—a soulful Southern classic that's both satisfying and easy to make. Perfectly spiced with cayenne, thyme, and a smoky kick from sliced sausage, this dish combines tender red beans simmered in a rich broth with the "holy trinity" of Creole cooking—onions, bell peppers, and celery—for a true comfort food experience. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh green onions, this one-pot meal is a wholesome, budget-friendly option ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether you're looking for an authentic taste of Louisiana or just an effortlessly delicious dinner, this red beans and rice recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound dried red beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 0 to taste hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Stir in the soaked and drained red beans, chicken or vegetable broth, and bay leaf.

Step 6

Season with kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme.

Step 7

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

Step 8

If the liquid reduces too much during cooking, add a little water or broth as needed.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 10

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3254.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2946.5

Total Fat 132.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 240.1mg	0%
Sodium 10268.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 324.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.3g	0%
Total Sugars 19.4g
Protein 109.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 442.2mg	0%
Iron 27.6mg	0%
Potassium 3813.8mg	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: 40.6%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 44.4%