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Bowl of Cajun red beans and rice garnished with herbs on a wooden table

Cajun Red Beans & Rice

A classic Louisiana dish that combines creamy red beans with fluffy rice, full of robust spices and flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Louisiana, Southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the beans

  • 1 pound dried red beans (such as kidney beans) Rinsed and soaked overnight
  • 6 cups water (for soaking and cooking) Use additional water or broth as needed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option

For the base

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil) For sautéing
  • 1 medium onion, diced Part of the 'holy trinity'
  • 1 bell pepper diced (green or red) Part of the 'holy trinity'
  • 2 stalks celery, diced Part of the 'holy trinity'
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Adjust to taste

For seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Add more for extra flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 leaf bay leaf Remove before serving
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust based on spice preference
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (e.g., Andouille or kielbasa) Can substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter version

To serve

  • 2 cups cooked white rice For serving
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Soak the dried red beans in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  • After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again.

Cooking

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Add Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, stirring well.
  • Add the soaked beans and chicken broth to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Cover and let cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until beans are tender and creamy.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed, and remove bay leaf.

Serving

  • Ladle the Cajun red beans over a scoop of cooked white rice.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

Notes

Make it ahead for better flavor. Leftovers can be stored for 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keyword Cajun, Comfort Food, Flavorful, Red Beans, Rice