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Spicy Red Beans & Rice – Hearty, Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Meal!

Spicy Red Beans & Rice – Hearty, Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Meal!

Chloe
A hearty, protein-rich dish combining tender red beans, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. Adjust spice levels and customize with optional sausage for added flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup red kidney beans, soaked and drained
  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup turkey or beef sausage, sliced (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Add cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add soaked kidney beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20 minutes until beans are tender.
  • While beans cook, prepare rice using broth or water as per package instructions.
  • If using sausage, add to the bean mixture during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.

Notes

Soak beans overnight for faster cooking; substitute canned beans for convenience.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.
Mash a portion of beans for creamier texture.
Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.