Description
Bring the soul of Louisiana to your table with this hearty, comforting Cajun Red Beans and Rice recipe. It’s an easy dinner idea loaded with bold Cajun spices, tender red beans, and fluffy white rice — perfect for meal prep, a cozy family meal, or a quick vegetarian-friendly lunch. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast inspiration, healthy snacks, or reliable dinner ideas, this easy recipe is a must-have in your rotation. Full of flavor, budget-friendly, and super satisfying, this dish delivers Southern comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup dried red beans (or two 15 oz cans of red kidney beans)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups cooked white rice
3 cups water or vegetable broth
Instructions
1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight in water. Drain, rinse, and simmer in fresh water for 1 to 1.5 hours until tender. Skip this step if using canned beans.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
4. Add beans to the pot, then pour in broth or water until beans are covered. Add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Mash a few beans to thicken the mixture.
5. Meanwhile, cook rice according to package instructions.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves. Serve the red beans over rice and garnish with parsley or green onion if desired.
Notes
Mashing some of the beans while cooking gives the dish a richer and creamier texture.
The dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have developed more.
Store rice and beans separately to keep the rice from turning mushy when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy dinner, Cajun food, healthy recipe, vegetarian, comfort food