Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Introduction

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is the quintessential Southern comfort food—a deliciously hearty one-pot meal with bold Creole flavors, tender beans, smoked sausage, and perfect seasoning. Its irresistible combination of smoky meat, creamy beans, and fluffy rice makes it a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or feeding a festive crowd.

Wholesome, filling, and packed with flavor, this classic New Orleans dish brings people together and stands as the ultimate comfort-in-a-bowl—an easy weeknight staple that tastes even better the next day.

Why Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Is a Must-Try

There’s a reason this dish graces Louisiana tables every Monday. The slow-cooked beans simmer with savory aromatics and smoked sausage, infusing the pot with depth and richness. Meanwhile, each spoonful is balanced by the subtle heat of Creole spices and the pillowy comfort of white rice. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just want a taste of the Big Easy, this recipe is as authentic as it gets and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

The Secret to Flavorful Red Beans

This recipe calls for dried red kidney beans, simmered with the “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and bell pepper, along with garlic, bay leaves, smoked sausage, and classic Creole seasoning. Allowing the beans to cook low and slow melds all the flavors, giving you creamy yet toothsome beans in a savory, smoky broth.

Chopping those vegetables is a cinch with a tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which ensures consistent, quick prep with minimal effort.

Perfect Rice Every Time

The ideal base for this dish is perfectly steamed white rice. For super-fluffy rice with little fuss, consider using a digital kitchen scale like the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display to measure your rice and water ratios precisely, avoiding mushy or undercooked grains.

Serving, Storage, & Tips

Red beans and rice is best served hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley. If you’re preparing this for a gathering, serve on a sturdy disposable tablecloth to catch any spills—the Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White works perfectly for feeding a crowd with minimal cleanup.

For convenient storage and meal prep, portion leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. The flavors will intensify overnight, making your leftovers even more delicious the next day!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6–8 hearty servings. Each portion contains about 400–500 calories (depending on sausage/fat content), and packs protein, fiber, and plenty of flavor. It’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on nutrition or comfort.

Instructions

1. Soak dried beans overnight in cool water (skip if using canned beans). Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté 5–7 minutes until soft. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes quick work of prepping these veggies.
3. Add garlic and sausage; cook 3–4 minutes until sausage is browned on the edges.
4. Stir in soaked beans, bay leaves, Creole seasoning, thyme, and broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours (checking occasionally), or until beans are creamy and tender. If using canned beans, reduce simmer time to about 45 minutes.
5. If you want a creamier texture, mash some beans against the side of the pot with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher and stir well.
6. While beans simmer, cook white rice according to package directions. For accuracy, measure rice and water with an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Creole spice. Remove bay leaves before serving.
8. Serve red beans in bowls over generous scoops of rice. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions. Enjoy hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (or 1 hour if using canned beans)

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice (Recap)

This Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe delivers a bowl brimming with savory, smoky, and spicy satisfaction. Its blend of meaty beans, perfectly cooked rice, and the unmistakable flavor of Creole cuisine makes it a comforting feast any day of the week.

Whether for family dinner or festive occasions, this soul-soothing Southern classic always hits the spot!