Louisiana Beans And Rice(Serve As A Side Dish Or In Larger Servings As A Main Dish.)
A hearty Louisiana-inspired beans and rice dish featuring smoky ham, flavorful spices, and tender beans, perfect as a comforting main or savory side for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 2 cans (16 oz each) red beans or pinto beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or smoked sausage ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish, combine vegetable oil, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, crushed thyme leaves, and crushed oregano leaves.
- Cover with lid; microwave on High for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring once during cooking.
- Stir in drained beans, condensed tomato soup, diced cooked ham or smoked sausage, and ground cayenne pepper.
- Cover; microwave on High for 5 minutes or until hot. Stir well.
- Reduce microwave power to 50%.
- Cover; microwave for 15 minutes or until flavors are well blended.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding bell peppers and celery to the sautéed vegetables. You can substitute the ham or smoked sausage with turkey sausage or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms for a meatless dish. If you prefer a spicier kick, adjust the ground cayenne pepper to taste. This recipe is versatile, allowing for adjustments based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Louisiana Beans and Rice as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fried catfish for a complete meal. For a larger serving, it makes a satisfying main dish over hot cooked rice. This dish pairs beautifully with Olivia'S Cookies for dessert, creating a well-rounded Southern-inspired meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Louisiana Beans And Rice(Serve As A Side Dish Or In Larger Servings As A Main Dish.) contains roughly 498 calories, with 24g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), iron (131% of the Daily Value), and calcium (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 723mg per serving (31% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham or sausage and using vegetable broth instead of the condensed tomato soup. Adding more vegetables, like zucchini or carrots, can enhance the flavor and texture, making it a hearty vegan meal.
What can I use instead of canned beans?
If you prefer using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. This will require more preparation time, but it can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before combining with the other ingredients.
How can I spice this dish up further?
To increase the spice level, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the ground cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a different flavor profile that complements the beans and rice.
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).