Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 20 flavorful red beans and rice recipes! This classic Southern dish has been a staple for generations, and we’re excited to share our favorite variations with you. From Cajun-style to vegetarian, slow cooker to Instant Pot, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, red beans and rice is the perfect solution. And with so many ways to customize this dish, you’ll never get bored. Want some heat? Try adding jalapenos or hot sauce. Looking for a meatless option? Simply omit the sausage or ham and add more veggies. The possibilities are endless!
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these delicious red beans and rice recipes, sharing tips and tricks to help you create mouthwatering meals that will impress your family and friends. So let’s get started and explore the flavorful world of red beans and rice!
Cajun-Style Red Beans and Rice
Experience the rich flavors of Louisiana with this hearty and comforting Cajun-style red beans and rice dish. A staple in many Southern households, this recipe is a simple yet flavorful twist on traditional red bean cooking.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Add the soaked red beans and chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
5. Cook rice according to package instructions.
6. Serve red beans over hot cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Vegetarian Red Beans and Rice
This hearty and flavorful dish is a classic Southern staple, with the added bonus of being vegetarian-friendly. Perfect for a comforting meal or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the soaked red beans, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and vegetable broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Sausage Red Beans and Rice
This hearty one-pot dish combines spicy sausage, tender red beans, and flavorful rice for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying this Cajun-inspired classic in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy sausage (such as Andouille or smoked sausage), sliced
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups water
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add red beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked sausage, cooked rice, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until beans are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, with optional hot sauce on the side.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
A classic Southern dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine red beans, onion, garlic, rice, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the vegetable oil on top of the mixture.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About an hour before serving, stir in any excess liquid and fluff the rice with a fork.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
This classic Southern dish is a staple in many households, and with the Instant Pot, it’s easier than ever to prepare. This recipe yields a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups water
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the oil until shimmering.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the soaked red beans, rice, water, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing”. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 20 minutes at high pressure.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serve: Serve hot over white rice, garnished with chopped scallions and a dash of hot sauce, if desired.
Creole Red Beans and Rice
This beloved Louisiana dish is a staple of comfort food, made with simple ingredients and rich flavors. This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 pound smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion, celery, and garlic to the pot; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the soaked and drained red beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about an inch, then bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
6. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
7. Serve the red beans over the cooked rice.
Cooking Time: About 2 hours (including soaking time)
Southern-Style Red Beans and Rice
A classic Southern comfort food, this hearty dish is a staple of many households. This recipe combines the rich flavors of red beans with the simplicity of white rice for a satisfying and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
3. Add the soaked red beans, chicken broth, and rice to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
4. Serve hot over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Smoked Turkey Red Beans and Rice
This comforting dish combines the rich flavors of smoked turkey with the creamy goodness of red beans, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 pound smoked turkey breast, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine red beans, turkey, onion, garlic, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
3. Serve hot over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Vegan Red Beans and Rice
This plant-based twist on the traditional Southern dish is a flavorful and filling option for a quick weeknight dinner. With sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers adding depth to the rich red beans, this vegan version is sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large bell pepper, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin, smoked paprika (if using), and bay leaf; stir to combine.
4. Add the soaked red beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until beans are tender.
5. Serve over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Red Beans and Rice
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this aromatic dish, where tender red beans meet spicy jerk seasoning and flavorful rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the red beans according to package instructions or by simmering them in 4 cups of water until tender, about 1 hour.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the Jamaican jerk seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook the rice according to package instructions or by simmering it in 2 cups of water until fluffy, about 20 minutes.
6. Combine cooked red beans and jerk-seasoned onion mixture with the cooked rice.
Cooking Time: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Mexican-Inspired Red Beans and Rice
This hearty one-pot dish combines the rich flavors of Mexico with the comforting familiarity of red beans and rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for an additional minute.
3. Add soaked red beans, diced tomatoes, and rice to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 45-50 minutes or until beans are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro (if desired). Serve hot over rice.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
One-Pot Red Beans and Rice
This classic Southern dish is a staple of comfort food, made with tender red beans, flavorful rice, and a hint of smoky bacon. This one-pot wonder is perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the soaked red beans, rice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the beans are tender and rice is cooked.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ham Hock Red Beans and Rice
This classic Louisiana dish is a staple of home cooking, perfect for a cozy evening with family and friends. Slow-cooked red beans and rice are infused with the rich flavor of ham hocks, making this recipe a true taste of the Bayou.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
– 1 ham hock, preferably smoked
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups cooked white rice
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the soaked red beans.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ham hock in oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the red beans, 4 cups of water, and the browned ham hock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours or overnight.
5. Serve the beans over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours (or overnight)
Coconut Milk Red Beans and Rice
A flavorful twist on a classic Caribbean dish, this Coconut Milk Red Beans and Rice recipe combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the comfort of tender red beans and fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 14.5 oz can coconut milk
– Vegetable oil, for cooking
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add red beans, coconut milk, and enough water to cover the beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until beans are tender.
5. Serve beans over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic Butter Red Beans and Rice
A classic Southern comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked and drained red beans, garlic, butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add enough water to cover the beans by about an inch and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
5. Stir in cooked rice and chopped parsley.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cheesy Red Beans and Rice Casserole
This classic Southern dish gets a creamy twist with the addition of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing brunch, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups cooked red beans (canned or homemade)
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender.
3. Add cooked red beans, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer rice and bean mixture.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and pour in milk.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Shrimp Red Beans and Rice
Spicy Shrimp Red Beans and Rice Recipe
A classic Southern comfort food dish gets a spicy kick with this recipe, featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful red bean sauce served over fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in red beans, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Stir in chicken broth, tomato paste, and cilantro (if using). Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes or until thickened slightly.
6. Serve shrimp and red bean sauce over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herbed Red Beans and Rice
This classic Southern dish combines creamy red beans with fragrant herbs and served over a bed of fluffy rice, making for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the soaked red beans and chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
5. Serve the red bean mixture over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours (including soaking time)
Bacon-Wrapped Red Beans and Rice
A classic Southern comfort food dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the rich, comforting taste of red beans and rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 6 slices of thick-cut smoked bacon, cut in half
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until softened.
3. Add the soaked and drained red beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Wrap each half-slice of bacon around the bean mixture, securing with toothpicks if needed.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped bean mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the beans are tender and the bacon is crispy.
7. Serve the red beans over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Curried Red Beans and Rice
This recipe combines the warmth of curry with the comforting familiarity of red beans and rice, creating a unique and delicious twist on a Southern staple.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups cooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Cook the red beans according to package instructions or using a pressure cooker.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, and paprika. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add cooked red beans, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Serve the curried red bean mixture over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 20 flavorful red beans and rice recipes! From Cajun-style to Creole, vegetarian to vegan, there’s something for everyone. Try making Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice or Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice for a quick and easy dinner. For added heat, go for Spicy Sausage or Spicy Shrimp options. And don’t forget the cheesy twist with Garlic Butter Red Beans and Rice or Cheesy Red Beans and Rice Casserole. With this diverse collection of recipes, you’ll never get bored with red beans and rice!
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