Vegetarian Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

Savor the bold, smoky flavors of this Vegetarian Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice, a plant-based twist on the classic Southern comfort food. This easy-to-follow recipe recreates the signature creaminess and deep savoriness of the original using canned red kidney beans, aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cayenne, and a touch of liquid smoke for that authentic, smoky essence—all without the meat. With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, this budget-friendly dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Served over a fluffy bed of white rice, it’s a protein-packed, satisfying meal that’s both hearty and vegetarian-friendly. Ideal for those craving a flavorful, Popeyes-inspired experience at home!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 15-ounce cans canned red kidney beans
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Directions

Step 1

Drain and rinse the canned red kidney beans to remove any excess sodium and packing liquids.

Step 2

In a large saucepan or medium pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the rinsed beans and gently mash them with a potato masher, leaving some beans intact for texture.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring well to ensure the beans and broth are thoroughly mixed.

Step 5

Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, liquid smoke, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Stir all ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the beans cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Meanwhile, prepare the white rice according to the package instructions if it's not already cooked.

Step 9

After the beans have thickened and flavors have developed, adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Step 10

Serve the red beans over a bed of cooked white rice. Enjoy your flavorful vegetarian version of Popeyes Red Beans and Rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1585.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1506.2

Total Fat 31.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 5696.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 248.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.3g	0%
Total Sugars 9.7g
Protein 63.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 372.1mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 3523.7mg	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: 18.6%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 64.9%