Name: Classic Red Beans and Rice (New Orleans Style)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil; 1 pound good smoked sausage, preferably andouille, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds; 2 medium yellow onions, chopped; 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, such as Tony Cachere’s; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 7 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium celery stalk, diced; 1 medium green bell pepper, diced; 1 tablespoon dried basil; Pinch dried sage; 3 bay leaves; 1 pound Camellia dried red beans; 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced; Leaves of 1 bunch fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped; Crystal hot sauce; Cooked rice, for serving

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There’s just something magical about a bowl of red beans and rice. It’s cozy, savory, and full of bold Louisiana flavor, but what if I told you that you could make it at home without fussing over a pot for hours? This red beans and rice recipe delivers that slow-cooked taste in way less time, using pantry staples and a few smart shortcuts. Whether it’s your first time trying it or you’re a long-time fan, this version is ridiculously easy and ridiculously good.

The combo of smoky sausage, creamy red beans, and Cajun spices makes this dish an instant family favorite. And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or special cooking skills. Just one pot, a little prep, and dinner’s ready to go. This recipe is everything you want from comfort food, warm, hearty, and downright crave-worthy. If you’re looking for a foolproof red beans and rice recipe that brings the flavor and saves you time, you’re in the right place.

Why You’ll Love This Red Beans and Rice

I grew up with red beans and rice showing up on the table at least once a month. It was the kind of dish that smelled like Sunday and tasted like home. Now, I make this version when I want those same vibes, without spending my whole day cooking.

Here’s why it’s a go-to:

One-pot meal – Easy cleanup and everything cooks in one pan.
Big flavor, fast – Thanks to andouille sausage and pre-cooked beans, it tastes like it simmered for hours.
Budget-friendly – Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
Great for leftovers – The flavor gets even better the next day.
Kid-friendly – Not too spicy, but still packed with flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need and why it works:

Andouille sausage – Smoky, spicy, and the heart of this dish. You can use kielbasa or turkey sausage for a milder twist.
Red kidney beans – Canned beans keep this quick, but you can absolutely use cooked dry beans if you have the time.
Onion, bell pepper, and celery – Known as the Cajun “holy trinity,” these build the savory base.
Garlic – Adds depth and punch—fresh is best, but jarred works too.
Tomato paste – Brings richness and a little sweetness to balance the spice.
Cajun seasoning – The flavor hero! Store-bought is fine, or you can mix your own.
Bay leaf and thyme – Add earthy, slow-cooked notes that round out the flavor.
Rice – Serve it over fluffy white rice or swap in brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

RELATED RECIPE: Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet: An Easy Dinnertime Favorite

Variations & Substitutions

Make it your own with these easy swaps:

Vegetarian version – Skip the sausage and add smoked paprika for depth, plus extra beans or mushrooms for texture.
Spicy twist – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some extra kick.
More protein – Stir in leftover shredded chicken or add shrimp at the end.
Low-sodium option – Use low-sodium beans and broth, then season to taste.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Sauté the sausage and veggies

Start by browning the sausage in a large pot until it’s golden and crisp. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook the onion, bell pepper, and celery until soft.

Add garlic, tomato paste, and seasoning

Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for a minute or two, then sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf.

Simmer with beans and broth

Add the beans and broth, then bring everything to a simmer. Toss the sausage back in. Let it all bubble gently for about 15–20 minutes so the flavors blend.

Serve over rice

Scoop a generous spoonful over warm cooked rice. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions if you’re feeling fancy.

RELATED RECIPE: Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Spicy, and Easy to Make

A Few Helpful Tips

Let it rest – After cooking, let the pot sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors settle and the sauce thickens.
Don’t skip the sear – Browning the sausage adds loads of flavor.
Watch the salt – Cajun seasoning and sausage are salty already, so taste before adding extra.
Meal prep winner – Make a double batch and freeze half for later.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This dish is super versatile, but here’s what pairs beautifully with it:

Cornbread – A warm, buttery side that’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Simple green salad – Something crisp and fresh to balance the richness.
Sautéed greens – Think collard greens, spinach, or kale with a touch of garlic.
Hot sauce bar – Offer a few different ones so everyone can spice it up their way.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze in single portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating – Microwave or heat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Note: Cook the rice fresh when serving from frozen if you want the best texture.

RELATED RECIPE: Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp: How to be the Family Hero

FAQ

Yes! Sauté the sausage and veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4.

Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and a little cayenne for a quick homemade version.

They’re similar but not identical, red beans are smaller and creamier. Either works for this recipe!

Absolutely! It’s actually better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Enjoying This Red Beans and Rice

This red beans and rice recipe is one of those “set the mood” meals in our house. When it’s cold out or we’re craving something cozy, this is what’s on the stove. It smells amazing, tastes even better, and brings everybody to the table without a single complaint. Honestly, once you make this at home, you’ll never look at boxed versions the same again.

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Tried this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. If you made any tweaks or added your own spin, let us know how it went, we’re all about seeing how y’all make it your own!