Easy Red Beans and Rice gives you all the flavor of the traditional version in just 30 minutes. Packed full of sausage, rice, and the best seasonings.
(This post was updated with better directions and photographs in May 2019)
When my husband and I first got married I made Red Beans and Rice one night for dinner. I think that meal might have been the worst thing I’ve ever cooked. I mean it was disgusting. I mean it was completely inedible I used way, way too much spice and the rice wasn’t cooked through. It was years before I decided to try it again.
The recipe I’m sharing today is nothing like that first version. In this version I’ve worked to build the flavors and get them compliment each other rather than compete. I also really cut back on the spicy seasonings but if you are one of those people who just loves a lot of spice you can add cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes or even some hot sauce to meet your preferred heat level.
Are red beans and kidney beans the same thing?
Although they are very similar and can be interchanged easily in recipes there are a couple of small differences. Red beans are slight lighter in color, smaller and rounder. Another difference between the two is that kidney beans have more fiber per serving.Â
Do I need to rinse kidney beans before cooking?
The liquid that’s found in cans of beans like red beans or kidney beans is mostly starch and salt that can change the way the beans taste. It’s best to rinse them to wash way the extra sodium and starch to improve the flavor of the beans.
To make this version of red beans and rice you will need:Â
- kielbasa
- red beans (canned)
- rice (white or brown)
- onionÂ
- garlic
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- chicken brothÂ
- extra virgin olive oilÂ
- black pepperÂ
How to make Easy Red Beans and Rice:
- In a large skillet warm olive oil for about a minute. Add sausage and onions to the skillet. Cook until onions are tender and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for one minute while stirring. (if using powder skip this step)
- Add beans, Italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional) and stir to combine.
- Next add rice and chicken broth to skillet and stir to combine.
- Bring everything to a boil, reduce heat to medium low cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with sliced scallionsÂ
My tips for this recipe:Â
- If you like your Cajun food spicy you can add a 1/4 a teaspoon red pepper flakes to the recipe and add them in when you add the cajun seasoning. This will give the dish a little extra heat.
- If you can’t find canned red beans at your grocery store you can use red kidney beans instead.Â
Happy Cooking Y’all!
Susanne
Looking for more delicious ways to cook with rice?
Easy Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet
Spicy Mexican Chicken and RiceÂ
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and RiceÂ
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Easy Red Beans and Rice
Easy Red Beans and Rice gives you all the flavor of the traditional version in just 30 minutes in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Kielbasa sausage sliced into half inch pieces
- 1 cup rice white or brown
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz. red beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced or one tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1//2 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
-
In a large skillet warm olive oil for about a minute. Add sausage and onions to the skillet. Cook until onions are tender and translucent.
-
Add minced garlic and cook for one minute while stirring. (if using powder skip this step)
-
Add beans, Italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional) and stir to combine.
-
Next add rice and chicken broth to skillet and stir to combine.
-
Bring everything to a boil, reduce heat to medium low cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
-
Garnish with sliced scallions
Recipe Notes
- Â add a 1/4 a teaspoon red pepper flakes to the recipe and add them in when you add the cajun seasoning if you want to add more spice to the recipe
- light red kidney beans can be used in place or red beans Â
My kids love red beans and rice, sharing this for them. Thanks so much for adding it to the DI & DI Link Party also!
Have a great week!
This was one of the easiest recipes I’d made in a long, long time. I hope they give it a try it was great and it really was super easy to make.
Thanks for stopping by,
Susanne
Thanks for sharing at Delicious Dishes Recipe Party!
It looks and sounds like you have come a long way as a cook since getting married!Lol These red beans and rice look fantastic. I love making things in the skillet too so we will have to try this one for sure. Thanks for sharing your second recipe and not the first. Ha ha. We will be trying it.
I’ve made a few recipes that were pretty bad too when we were first married. This one looks really good though! Seems like you’ve redeemed yourself!
This would make such a fab weekend brunch. We always have kielbasa at home n the cajun seasoning sounds perfect with it.
I love red beans and rice as a side dish! Your recipe looks delicious.
You did very well to try this recipe again, it’s simply delicious. And thanks for posting it!
Such a hearty recipe! It’s a keeper for sure!
We haven’t had red beans and rice in forever so I made this recipe. It was perfect and I loved how easy it is!
My husband inhales recipes like this! So filling and packed with flavor! Thanks for the recipe!
Such an easy flavorful dinner!
My husband requested this for dinner, I have never made this before. I will try your recipe, because I like easy and fast. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa I hope your and your husband like it! Please stop back by and tell me your thoughts.
Susanne
Absolutely delicious. Hubby loved it and is asking for this recipe ever time we have rice as a side dish. it was so so easy. I Followed the exact portions and plan to add a bit more Cajun and red pepper flakes as we like a lot of heat. Thanks for the great recipe!
It makes me so happy to read you and your husband liked this recipe. It’s one of our favorites too! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
Susanne