Super Easy Red Beans and Rice

Experience the bold and comforting flavors of the South with this Super Easy Red Beans and Rice recipe! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this hearty one-pot meal featuring tender red kidney beans, savory smoked sausage, and a fragrant blend of spices like smoked paprika, thyme, and a touch of cayenne for the perfect kick. Fresh veggies—including onion, bell pepper, and celery—add vibrant flavor, while steamy, fluffy rice provides the perfect base. Topped with green onions and optional hot sauce for a customizable finish, this quick and satisfying dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Packed with protein and bursting with Cajun-inspired goodness, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces smoked sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 medium green bell pepper
• 2 celery stalks
• 3 cloves garlic
• 30 ounces canned red kidney beans
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 2 green onions
• 0 hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch rounds and add it to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 3

Dice the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and mince the garlic. Add these vegetables to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Drain and rinse the kidney beans, then add them to the skillet along with the browned sausage.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Fluff the cooked rice and divide it into bowls or plates.

Step 8

Spoon the red bean and sausage mixture over the rice.

Step 9

Finely slice the green onions and sprinkle them on top. Add hot sauce, if desired, for extra spice.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2252.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1878.6

Total Fat 7.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4139.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 382.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 54.7g	0%
Total Sugars 21.3g
Protein 72.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 558.6mg	0%
Iron 26.8mg	0%
Potassium 4160.6mg	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: 3.4%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 81.1%