Whole30 Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

Recreate the comforting, smoky flavors of a Southern classic with this Whole30 Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice recipe. Made with tender kidney beans simmered in bone broth and infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of liquid smoke, this dish is the perfect balance of creamy and savory. Instead of traditional rice, it’s paired with cauliflower rice for a wholesome, grain-free twist that’s ideal for those following a Whole30 diet. Quick to prepare in under an hour, this recipe captures all the rich flavors of the original while staying nutritious and Whole30-compliant. Serve it up as a satisfying side dish or a hearty main course for an irresistible Southern-inspired meal you'll want to make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups bone broth or chicken stock
• 2 cups cooked cauliflower rice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the drained kidney beans to the pot and pour in the bone broth or chicken stock. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and let the beans gently simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to partially mash some of the beans to thicken the mixture, but leave some beans whole for texture.

Step 7

Add the liquid smoke, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir to combine well.

Step 8

Continue to cook over low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the beans resemble a thick, creamy texture.

Step 9

While the beans are simmering, prepare the cauliflower rice according to package instructions or cook fresh cauliflower rice in a pan with a bit of olive oil until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 10

Serve the beans over a bed of warm cauliflower rice and enjoy your Whole30 Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1580.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	912.5

Total Fat 33.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3399.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 113.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.2g	0%
Total Sugars 17.1g
Protein 55.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 330.5mg	0%
Iron 12.9mg	0%
Potassium 3502.3mg	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: 31.0%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 46.2%