Red Beans And Rice With Polish Sausage Or Ham
A hearty, flavorful dish combining red beans, tomatoes, rice, and savory sausage or ham, perfect for a comforting meal with bold tastes and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the canned beans, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and sautéed onions in a pot.
- Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes.
- Add ham or sausage to the simmering mixture and brown the sausage if using.
- Pour the bean and meat mixture over cooked rice in a casserole dish.
- Place in the oven to warm before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding bell peppers or celery alongside the onions. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage or leftover ham. To enhance the flavor, season with Cajun spices or hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with smoked tempeh for a similar taste. This dish also pairs well with Herb-Roasted New Potatoes as a side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. A side of cornbread or a simple green salad complements the meal nicely. Additionally, you can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top. This recipe also makes a comforting main dish when paired with Hot Holly Day Punch.
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 individual portions until warmed through, or gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Beans And Rice With Polish Sausage Or Ham contains roughly 1189 calories, with 35g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2135mg per serving (93% 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 red beans. Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dried beans will take longer to soften than canned ones.
What can I use if I don't have Ro-Tel tomatoes?
If you don't have Ro-Tel tomatoes, you can substitute them with a can of diced tomatoes mixed with green chilies or simply use regular diced tomatoes with a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Red Beans and Rice dish is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even better for leftovers. Just portion it out into meal containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).