Easy Red Beans And Rice(Makes 10 Servings. Prep Time: 15 Minutes.)
A comforting dish of savory red beans and smoked sausage served over fluffy rice, packed with bold seasonings, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 1.5 cups long grain rice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) package smoked sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can stewed tomatoes with onions and green peppers
- 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring water, rice, and butter to a hard boil in a pot.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Put a little oil in a large frying pan and sauté the sausage and chopped onion.
- Brown for five minutes, then add stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, garlic, lemon pepper, garlic salt, and oregano.
- Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to simmer and cover for about 15 minutes.
- Remove lid and let simmer uncovered for about 15 more minutes.
- Serve the red beans and sausage mixture over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding bell peppers or celery when sautéing the sausage. You can substitute the smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can also give it a nice kick. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the red beans and sausage mixture over the fluffy long-grain rice as a satisfying main dish. A simple side salad or some cornbread pairs beautifully with this dish, bringing a nice balance to the meal. You can also top the dish with chopped green onions for added freshness. For a delightful dessert, consider making a batch of Holly's Magic Bars to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover red beans and rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to the mixture before reheating to help restore moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Red Beans And Rice(Makes 10 Servings. Prep Time: 15 Minutes.) contains roughly 658 calories, with 28g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), iron (113% of the Daily Value), and protein (56% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 36g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 brown rice instead of long grain rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the water to rice ratio as needed, typically 2.5 cups of water for every cup of brown rice. Cook it until tender, following the package instructions for best results.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the smoked sausage and replace the water with vegetable broth for added flavor. You can also include additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the red beans and sausage mixture in advance. Cook the dish as directed, then let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat it when you're ready to serve. However, it’s best to cook the rice fresh to maintain its texture.
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).