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Easy Red Beans and Rice

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Easy Red Beans and Rice is a hearty Southern comfort dish made with canned red beans, smoked sausage, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered in flavorful spices and served over white rice. It’s a quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Return the sausage to the pot and stir in the red beans, broth, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, bay leaf (if using), salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with green onions and hot sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth and plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
  • For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans while simmering.
  • This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prep.
  • Add greens like spinach or kale near the end for extra nutrition.
  • Use certified gluten-free sausage and broth to keep it gluten-free.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/easy-red-beans-and-rice-2/