Savory Red Beans And Rice
Savory red beans and rice combine smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and hearty beans in a flavorful dish perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 slice bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can reduced sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup regular brown rice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can dark red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, cut into bite size strips ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook and stir chopped bacon until crisp. Reserve 1 teaspoon of drippings in the pan.
- Add oil to make a total of 1 teaspoon if necessary. Drain bacon on paper towels.
- Cook chopped onion in the bacon drippings until tender but not brown.
- Add cooked bacon, chicken broth, uncooked brown rice, sliced celery, salt, hot pepper sauce, and ground black pepper to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.
- Add undrained dark red kidney beans and green pepper strips to the skillet.
- Simmer, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with olive oil and add smoked paprika for flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you're short on time, consider using quick-cooking rice, but adjust the liquid accordingly. To enhance flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering and remove it before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This savory red beans and rice dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For added freshness, serve with a squeeze of lime or chopped cilantro on top. It can also be complemented with a side of coleslaw or pickled vegetables for a nice contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to retain moisture and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through. Alternatively, heat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Red Beans And Rice contains roughly 217 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2489mg per serving (108% 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 dish in advance?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare it as instructed and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. The flavors will develop even more as it sits. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! While dark red kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute them with other beans like black beans or pinto beans according to your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you're using dried beans.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more hot pepper sauce or include diced jalapeños when cooking the onions. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the dish while it simmers. Adjust the spiciness to your taste!
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).