Cajun Red Beans
A hearty Cajun red beans dish with smoky bacon, savory vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a touch of Southern flair.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) kidney beans ⓘ
- 3 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green onion tops ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons ketchup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 jar (2 oz.) chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Place beans in a large saucepan.
- Fry bacon and crumble into the beans.
- Saute chopped onion, celery, and green pepper in bacon drippings until wilted but not brown, stirring frequently.
- Add the sautéed vegetables, cooked bacon, kidney beans, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped pimiento, chili powder, chopped parsley, and chopped green onion tops to the beans.
- Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Gumbo File or smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for that rich taste. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and you can also use black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cajun Red Beans over a generous scoop of cooked rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with cornbread or a simple side salad for a complete dinner. It also makes a great filling for burritos or wraps. For a unique twist, enjoy it with a side of Creole Skillet Beans for an added flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Red Beans contains roughly 1286 calories, with 67g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (210% of the Daily Value), iron (137% of the Daily Value), and protein (135% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2788mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried kidney beans. Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the recipe. This may require adjusting the cooking time, so ensure they are cooked through before combining with other ingredients.
How do I make it spicier?
To increase the heat level, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Additionally, using a spicier chili powder will enhance the overall flavor and heat of the dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).