Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe: Comfort Food Your Family Will Love

Name: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb Dried Red Beans, soaked overnight; 12 oz Smoked Sausage or Andouille Sausage, sliced; 1 medium Onion, diced; 1 medium Green Bell Pepper, diced; 2 stalks Celery, diced; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Creole Seasoning; Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional); 2 Bay Leaves; 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth; 3 cups Cooked White Rice; Green Onions, for garnish; Fresh Parsley, for garnish

Posted on February 20, 2026

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This hearty Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe comes together in about 1 hour and uses just one pot, making it a easy weeknight meal that your family will love! It’s super versatile, too you can switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Honestly, this is the kind of comfort food that lets you savor every bite while keeping dinner hassle-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delicious Louisiana Red Beans and Rice, here’s what you’ll need:

Dried Red Beans: About 1 lb. Soaked overnight if you can, but I’ve been known to skip that step when short on time! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always use canned beans (just rinse ’em).
Smoked Sausage or Andouille Sausage: Around 12 oz. I personally love the smoky richness of andouille sausage, but any type will work here.
Onion: 1 medium, diced until translucent. It adds tons of flavor, so don’t skimp on this one!
Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium, diced. It’s colorful and brings out that classic Louisiana flair.
Celery: 2 stalks, diced. This is part of what’s known as the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, along with bell pepper and onion.
Garlic: About 4 cloves, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover like me)
Creole Seasoning: 2 tablespoons for that authentic Louisiana kick. You can tweak this if you’re sensitive to spice!
Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch, unless you want to fire things up a notch.
Bay Leaves: 2 for simmering away. These lend a subtle earthiness to the dish.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups, making sure there’s enough liquid to cook the beans to creamy perfection.
Cooked White Rice: About 3 cups, for serving. You could also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Green Onions and Fresh Parsley: For garnish, because we eat with our eyes first!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, are you ready to dive into this heartwarming dish? Here’s how to make it:

Soak the Beans: Start by soaking the dried red beans overnight if you can. Drain and rinse them, then set aside. (Trust me on the soaking part, it really helps with cooking time.)
Sauté Your Veggies: In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. The smells? Oh my goodness, you are in for a treat! Add in the minced garlic and sliced sausage, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the sausage is nicely browned.
Add Seasonings and Beans: Toss in the Creole seasoning, a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling adventurous, the bay leaves, and the soaked red beans into the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until the beans are nice and tender. Don’t forget to stir occasionally and scrape the yummy bits off the bottom, there’s a lot of flavor in there!
Creamy Texture Tip: For a creamier texture, use a fork or a potato masher to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot as they cook. The best part is, it doesn’t have to be perfect! Just find that sweet spot of creaminess that works for you.
Serve It Up: Once everything is perfectly tender, serve your Louisiana Red Beans over a generous scoop of cooked white rice. Top it off with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

And voilà! Dinner is served!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I want something comforting yet straightforward, there’s just something about a classic bowl of Louisiana Red Beans and Rice that warms my heart. Plus, the best part is it’s such an adaptable recipe! I’m a real sucker for meals that let me use whatever I have on hand. One time, I even tossed in some leftover chicken, and it turned out amazing! This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl, and believe me, your family will be asking for seconds.

If you loved this Louisiana Red Beans and Rice, be sure to check out my other favorites: my Bobby Flay’s Crispy Rice, my Quick and Easy Cajun Rice, or my Delicious Turmeric Rice!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Comforting & Hearty

This dish is loaded with tons of flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening or a long day at work.

One Pot Wonder

Everything comes together all in one pot! That means minimal cleanup afterward, a true lifesaver.

Budget-Friendly

With simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe allows you to create a filling meal without breaking the bank.

Customizable

You can easily swap out meats or beans to suit your taste or whatever you’ve got lying around in your kitchen.

Meal Prep Friendly

This dish is great for meal prepping, make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Just add rice when you’re ready to serve!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Serve your Louisiana Red Beans and Rice with a side of cornbread for a classic pairing. A little hot sauce never hurt anybody, either!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it cools to room temperature before popping it in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, gently warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. You can also microwave it in a bowl, just be sure to cover it!

Freezer Friendly

Yes, this recipe is freezer-friendly! Just freeze your leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3-6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

So there you go! A warm bowl of Louisiana Red Beans and Rice that’s perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekends. Grab those ingredients, gather your family around the table, and dig into this delicious masterpiece. It’s bound to become a staple in your household, just like it is in mine!

Let me know how it turns out, and happy cooking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.