Red Beans and Rice

Creamy, flavorful Red Beans and Rice are incredibly easy to prepare using dried beans. Pair with cornbread and a side salad for a hearty meal! 

What Is Red Beans and Rice? 

Red beans and rice is one of the most popular dishes in Louisiana and comes from the Creole culture. (In this region of the US, the term “Creole” historically referred to anyone of mixed French, Spanish, and / or African descent.)

Red beans and rice was traditionally prepared on Mondays as a means of repurposing the leftovers from Sunday’s dinner. It’s a simple dish that relies on a few choice aromatics, seasonings, and time to infuse every bite with flavor. 

Everyone has their favorite way of preparing red beans and rice, but most recipes feature red beans, spices (these days typically a “Cajun seasoning” blend), some form of meat, and the “Holy Trinity” of Creole cooking, which is bell peppers, celery, and onion. 

You can add many different kinds of proteins to red beans and rice since it’s supposed to be a clean-out-the-fridge kind of meal, but I opted to make this easy recipe with andouille sausage.  

When making homemade red beans and rice, the key thing to remember is to allow yourself enough time to prepare everything. The dried red beans must be soaked overnight and then cooked low and slow on the stove for several hours.

Each step is straightforward and simple to follow, you just need a little patience! 

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Preparing Louisiana-style red beans and rice with andouille sausage requires very little in terms of kitchen equipment. Here’s what I recommend:

• Colander — For rinsing the dried beans. 
• Large stock pot — For soaking the beans and then cooking them. 
• Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife — For preparing the ingredients. 
• Measuring Spoons — For measuring the spices. 
• Liquid Measuring Cup — For measuring the chicken stock and water. 

Red Beans and Rice Ingredients 

As you can see from the ingredients list below, you don’t need much to make perfect red beans and rice! 

When it comes to flavoring the recipe, my preferred red beans and rice seasoning is  Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning. Between the seasoning blend and the “Holy Trinity” of bell peppers, onion, and celery, the red beans wind up having layers of flavor. 

• “Holy Trinity” (green bell pepper, onion, and celery) 
• Andouille Sausage 
• Cajun Seasoning (we love Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning)
• Dried Red Beans (see note below) 
• Butter
• Garlic
• Water
• Chicken Stock
• Bay Leaves 
• Fresh Parsley and Thyme
• Cooked White Rice 
• Green Onions (for garnish)

What Are the Best Beans for Red Beans and Rice? 

My brother and his wife live in Louisiana and recommended the Camellia brand of red beans to me. They’re apparently the best dried beans to use in red beans and rice, so that’s what I’ve always used! 

How to Make Red Beans and Rice 

Making red beans and rice with andouille sausage is easy, but it takes more time than your average dinner recipe.

The longer cook time on the stove gives the red beans plenty of time to soak up all the flavors of the dish, though, which is what makes this dish so good! 

Step 1: Soak the Dried Beans 

1. Pour the dried beans into a colander and rinse under running water to remove any dust or dirt. 
2. Transfer the rinsed beans to a large pot and top off with water. 
3. Let the beans soak at room temperature for at least 12 hours, then drain. 

Step 2: Cook the Red Beans 

1. In a large pot, melt the butter and then add the sliced andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning. Cook the sausage until browned, then remove to a plate. 
2. To the now-empty pot, add the “Holy Trinity” of celery, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until tender before adding the garlic. 
3. To the Holy Trinity, add the drained and soaked red beans, water, chicken stock, and bay leaves. 
4. Bring the bean mixture to a boil, then let actively boil for 30 minutes. 
5. Reduce the heat to low, add the fresh herbs, and gently simmer the beans for 4 to 5 hours. (Take care to stir the beans every 30 minutes so nothing burns on the bottom of the pot!) 

Step 3: Assemble the Red Beans and Rice

1. Ladle cooked red beans into bowls, then spoon the cooked white rice over top. 
2. Garnish with green onions and/or fresh parsley. If desired, serve Cajun seasoning and/or Louisiana hot sauce alongside your homemade red beans and rice. 

Making the Best Red Beans and Rice

Red Beans and Rice Recipe FAQs

Got questions about how to make homemade red beans and rice? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Do I have to use dried beans?

Yes! Dried red beans deliver a more authentic flavor and better texture than canned beans. 

Do you have to soak dried beans?

Yes! Ideally you’d cover the dried red beans with 3 inches of water and let them soak overnight (about 12 hours). However, if you forgot to soak your red beans or didn’t plan that far in advance, you can always do a 1- to 3-hour quick soak. 

What if I forgot to soak my dried beans?

If you forgot to soak your red beans overnight, Camellia Brand has instructions on how to do a 1-hour or 3-hour quick soak instead. 

Are red beans and kidney beans the same thing? 

Nope! They look nearly identical though, so don’t worry if you thought they were one in the same.

Red beans are smaller in size and are perfectly oval in shape, while kidney beans are larger, curved, and — yes — look like kidney-shaped beans. Kidney beans are also darker red in color than red beans. 

Can kidney beans be used instead of red beans? 

Yes! You’re welcome to replace the dried red beans with dried kidney beans if desired. 

We often use them interchangeably depending on what we have on hand! My brother’s family prefers to use the dried red kidney beans.

Is red beans and rice spicy? 

This particular recipe isn’t very spicy, no. It’s smokey and flavorful more than anything else. However, you can amp up the spice level by adding ground cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon only at a time!). 

Storage Instructions 

Store Louisiana-style red beans and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

I recommend storing the cooked beans and the rice in separate containers to prevent the rice from becoming soggy. 

Can Red Beans and Rice Be Frozen? 

Definitely! Once again, I suggest freezing the red beans and rice in separate containers.

Rice that’s been submerged in a liquid prior to freezing often becomes grainy once thawed. (Here are detailed instructions on how to freeze rice.)

However, if you want to meal prep individual servings, you can always ladle single portions of the red beans into the bottom of a glass jar or freezer-safe container, top with rice, and then freeze. This will keep the red beans from soaking too much into the rice and should perverse the original texture of the dish. 

When ready to eat the frozen red beans and rice, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat for 30-second intervals in the microwave.  

What to Serve with Red Beans and Rice 

Unsure what goes with red beans and rice? We love pairing it with a leafy green salad or roasted broccoli. 

Other side dish ideas include: 

• Cornbread
• Corn on the cob
• Collard greens
• Coleslaw
• Creamed corn
• Biscuits
• Green beans

Try Making Louisiana-Style Red Beans and Rice at Home!  

If you’re looking for a dish to make for Mardi Gras, make this easy red beans and rice recipe! 

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of the red beans and rice with andouille sausage. 

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your red beans and rice!

More Easy Rice Dinner Recipes: 

This easy Black Beans and Rice recipe is a dinner you can whip up quickly on a busy weeknight. Black beans, smoked sausage and rice is a winning combination every time! 

In this Creamy Orange Almond Chicken and Rice, golden brown chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy orange almond sauce. It’s served alongside an almond rice pilaf for a simple and comforting recipe. 

Beef and Broccoli is one of my favorite Chinese takeout dishes! It has plenty of rich flavor thanks to the tender beef slices, a savory sauce, and bright, crisp broccoli florets. Serve with rice for a complete meal! 

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