Name: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb dry red beans; 2 tbsp olive oil; 12-14 oz Andouille sausage, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 celery ribs, diced; 1 small red bell pepper, diced; 1 small green bell pepper, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 6-8 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; Cooked long-grain rice (for serving)

Description

This classic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe features tender red beans, spicy Andouille sausage, and rich Creole seasonings, all simmered to perfection. A true Southern comfort food, it’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for meal prep. This dish is easy to make, filling, and great for feeding a crowd. Enjoy it with rice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a satisfying meal!

Ingredients

1 lb dry red beans

2 tbsp olive oil

12–14 oz Andouille sausage, sliced

1 onion, chopped

2 celery ribs, diced

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1 small green bell pepper, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

6–8 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

2 bay leaves

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Cooked long-grain rice (for serving)

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Instructions

Soak the Beans: Cover beans with water and soak for 8 hours or overnight.
Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the sausage on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and bell peppers in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and cayenne. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
Simmer: Add soaked beans, sausage, and bay leaves. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until beans are tender.
Mash Beans: Mash a cup of beans and return them to the pot. Adjust the thickness with water, if needed, and cook for another 5 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve over rice.

Notes

Variations:

Vegetarian: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or tofu for a meat-free option.

Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to crank up the heat.

Different Beans: Try using pinto beans or kidney beans instead of red beans for a slight variation.

Storage/Reheating:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern, Creole