If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that packs a punch, you can’t go wrong with a big bowl of red beans and rice. This Southern staple is hearty, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Plus, the smoky sausage and perfectly seasoned beans create an irresistible combo that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red beans and rice is one of those dishes that’s rich in flavor but super simple to put together. With staples like dry red beans, smoked sausage, and a few pantry spices, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. And don’t worry if you’ve never made it before—this recipe walks you through every step, so you’ll be serving up this Cajun classic like a pro in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Dry red beans
• Smoked sausage
• Chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (aka the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking)
• Garlic
• Bay leaves, thyme, oregano, paprika, black pepper, cayenne (for a kick!), and salt
• Chicken or ham broth for cooking the beans and rice
• White rice
• Green onions for garnish
• Hot sauce for serving (if you like extra heat)

How to Make Red Beans and Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Beans

Start by rinsing your dry red beans under cold water to get rid of any dirt or debris. Once they’re clean, cover the beans with water, bring to a boil, and let them boil for a quick 2 minutes. After that, remove them from heat and let them soak for an hour. This speeds up the cooking time later and softens them perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

While the beans are soaking, grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat some oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (your flavor base) and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they’re softened. The aroma at this point is going to be fantastic!

Next, add minced garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne (if you want a little heat), black pepper, and salt. Stir everything around for about a minute until it’s all fragrant and combined.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Once your veggies and spices are ready, it’s time to add the soaked beans, bay leaves, and sliced smoked sausage into the pot. Pour in about 8 cups of broth—either chicken or ham, depending on what you have on hand. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours.

The key here is patience. Let those flavors meld together as the beans become tender and the sausage releases all its smoky goodness. Be sure to give it a stir every so often and add more water if necessary to keep the beans covered. Taste-test towards the end and adjust your salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

While your beans are simmering away, cook up some fluffy white rice in chicken broth to add even more flavor. Simply follow the package instructions, and in no time, you’ll have the perfect bed for your savory beans and sausage.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your beans are tender and the rice is cooked, it’s time to serve. Spoon a generous helping of red beans over a bed of white rice and top with freshly chopped green onions. If you’re feeling spicy, splash on a bit of hot sauce for that extra kick!

Tips for the Best Red Beans and Rice

• Adjust the heat: If you like things spicier, feel free to add more cayenne or even some sliced jalapeños while cooking.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the sausage and swap chicken broth for veggie broth. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Meal prep dream: This dish actually tastes better the next day, so it’s great for leftovers! Just store the beans and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

How to Store and Reheat

Red beans and rice will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up. You can also freeze the beans (but not the rice) for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for a quick, hearty meal.

So, there you have it—delicious red beans and rice that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. It’s flavorful, filling, and just what you need to spice up your dinner routine!

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