Easy Cajun Red Beans and Rice
Smoky, cozy red beans simmered with andouille and Cajun spices, piled over fluffy white rice for a weeknight-friendly classic.
Pin This Recipe For Later!
Share The Yum On Facebook
Print
Servings:
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp neutral oil or olive oil
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1.25 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.75 tsp dried thyme
- 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning low-sodium if available
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional, to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp crumbled bay leaf
- 30 oz red kidney beans, canned, drained and rinsed
- 1.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for brightness
- 4.5 cup cooked long-grain white rice for serving
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 0.25 cup sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the rice according to package directions, then keep warm.
- Warm the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the sliced sausage until lightly crisp, 4–5 minutes.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until soft and glossy, about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook until fragrant and darkened, 1–2 minutes.
- Season with paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and crumbled bay leaf. Mix well.
- Pour in the broth and add the beans. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook gently for 20 minutes.
- Mash a scoop of beans against the pot to thicken, then stir in the vinegar. Adjust salt to taste.
- Spoon the beans over warm rice. Garnish with parsley and green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
For extra heat, swap half the andouille with hot smoked sausage. For a meatless version, skip the sausage and add 1 tsp liquid smoke plus an extra 1 tbsp olive oil. Leftovers keep well up to 4 days refrigerated; the beans also freeze for 2 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Cajun Red Beans and Rice flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.