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Southern Red Beans Rice

As seen in Crowd-Pleasing Recipes That Bring Everyone to the Table.

This cozy dish is all about slow-simmered red beans packed with smoked sausage richness. Cooked with Louisiana’s favorite flavor starters—bell peppers, onions, and celery—the beans are infused with spices like thyme and paprika. After cooking, they soften to a creamy texture and get served over fluffy rice, all enhanced by fresh green onions. Feeds six generously and tastes even better the next day.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:22:59 GMT
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Hearty bowl with beans, sausage, and rice. Save Recipe
Hearty bowl with beans, sausage, and rice. | yummygusto.com

Nothing says Southern comfort quite like a steaming pot of red beans simmering with smoky Andouille sausage. This classic Louisiana dish transforms humble ingredients into a rich, hearty meal that gets better with time. The combination of creamy beans, flavorful sausage, and perfectly cooked rice creates a satisfying dish that feeds a crowd while being budget-friendly.

Every time I make this dish on a quiet weekend, the enticing aroma draws everyone to the kitchen. There's something magical about the way these simple ingredients transform during their long, gentle simmer.

Essential Ingredients

  • Red Beans: Select dried beans that are even in size and color for consistent cooking
  • Andouille Sausage: Traditional smoked sausage that provides signature flavor
  • Holy Trinity: Equal parts diced onion, celery, and green pepper
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose plump, firm cloves
  • Aromatic Bay Leaves: Whole leaves for easy removal
  • Long-grain Rice: Classic white rice for serving

Cooking Method

Starting Strong:
Begin with a heavy pot over medium heat. Brown the sliced Andouille to release its smoky essence.
Building Flavor:
Sauté the trinity vegetables in the sausage drippings until softened and fragrant.
Adding Beans:
Combine soaked beans with the seasoned base, stirring to coat evenly.
Slow Cooking:
Let everything simmer gently until beans are tender and the sauce naturally thickens.

In Southern kitchens, certain bean brands carry special status. The older generation's wisdom about selecting quality beans proves true - the right beans really do make a difference in the final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish with golden cornbread and braised greens on the side. Offer hot sauce and sliced green onions for traditional garnishes that add extra flavor and color to each bowl.

A bowl of soup with rice and sausage. Save Recipe
A bowl of soup with rice and sausage. | yummygusto.com

Recipe Variations

This versatile recipe welcomes thoughtful modifications. Smoked turkey makes a leaner alternative to Andouille, while extra vegetables boost nutrition. For meatless versions, sautéed mushrooms provide satisfying umami. Brown rice adds wholesome nuttiness.

Storage Tips

Store beans and rice separately in airtight containers. The beans keep well for four days refrigerated and develop even richer flavor. When reheating, add a splash of stock and warm gently, stirring occasionally.

Seasoning Guide

Season gradually throughout cooking, building layers of flavor. Start with aromatics, add spices in stages, and adjust final seasoning once beans are tender.

Meal Planning

Make a double batch for easy meal prep. Portion into containers with rice packed separately. The flavors continue developing, making leftovers especially delicious.

Bean Preparation

Proper bean soaking is crucial for even cooking and digestibility. Allow dried beans to soak overnight in cool water. This extra step ensures tender, creamy beans.

A bowl of soup with rice and sausage in it. Save Recipe
A bowl of soup with rice and sausage in it. | yummygusto.com

The beauty of red beans and rice lies in its straightforward preparation and quality ingredients. Time and patience transform simple components into a deeply satisfying meal that honors its Louisiana roots.

Recipe Tips & Help

→ Can I cook Red Beans and Rice in advance?
Totally! It’s even tastier the next day. Store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for up to three months.
→ What do I do if I forgot to soak my beans overnight?
You can boil them for 2 minutes, turn off the heat, cover, and let them soak for an hour before continuing with the recipe.
→ Are there replacements for Andouille sausage?
Sure! Smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or kielbasa are excellent stand-ins for Andouille.
→ Why won’t my beans soften even after cooking?
Older beans take forever to cook, and hard water or adding salt early can make it worse. Fresh beans work best.
→ Which type of rice works best for Red Beans and Rice?
Go for long-grain white rice to keep it traditional, but brown rice or jasmine rice are delicious options.

Southern Red Beans Rice

This Southern classic mixes creamy beans, flavorful sausage, and bold Cajun spices for a meal that’ll warm your soul with its rich taste.

Preparation Time
15 Mins
Cooking Time
120 Mins
Total Time
135 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Family Meals

Skill Level: Medium

Style: Southern-style American

Makes: 6 Serves (9 cups of red beans)

Dietary Notes: No Gluten, No Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1.5 cups long grain rice, uncooked
02 14 ounces smoked andouille sausage
03 1 pound dried red beans

→ Veggies and Fresh Seasonings

04 3 celery stalks
05 1 large yellow onion
06 1 green bell pepper
07 1/4 cup of parsley, chopped
08 3 green onions, sliced
09 4 garlic cloves

→ Herbs & Spices

10 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
11 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
12 2 bay leaves
13 1/4 teaspoon of cracked black pepper
14 1 tablespoon of salt, or more for taste
15 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for heat
16 1 teaspoon dried thyme
17 1 teaspoon dried oregano
18 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

→ Basics for Cooking

19 6 cups of water
20 2 tablespoons of your favorite cooking oil

Method

01

Take a big bowl, fill it with the beans, and add enough water to double their height. Let this sit in the fridge all night.

02

Slice up the sausage into rounds. Heat some cooking oil in a pan, then fry those sausage pieces until they're browned. Scoop them out and save them in the fridge while you handle the rest.

03

Cut up that onion, bell pepper, and celery into small pieces. Mince those garlic cloves too. Toss all of it into the sausage grease and cook until the onion turns soft and clear.

04

Sprinkle the seasonings over the veggies and mix them in for a minute. Grab the beans you soaked, drain and rinse them, then throw them into the pot. Add six cups of water, bring it all to a boil, then simmer for an hour while stirring every so often.

05

After about an hour, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the broth. Let this cook for 30 more minutes without a lid to get that creamy texture.

06

While the beans finish up, cook your rice. Use 3 cups of water for the 1.5 cups of rice, bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff it up with a fork.

07

Mix the sausage back into the beans, stir in the fresh parsley, and add more salt if needed. Serve the beans over a bed of hot rice, and top with some sliced green onions for a nice touch.

Cook's Tips

  1. This comforting Louisiana recipe is great for a group and tastes even better as leftovers.
  2. The total cost for this dish is around $9.75, breaking down to about $1.63 per serving.

Kitchen Equipment

  • Large bowl for soaking beans
  • Dutch oven or a big pot
  • Medium pan for cooking rice
  • Slotted spoon to scoop sausage

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: 715
  • Fat Content: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 89 g
  • Protein: 34 g