Easy Red Beans and Rice
Easy homemade red beans and rice recipe made with brown rice, fresh vegetables, and bold Creole spices. Ready in 1 hour!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 medium celery stalks, chopped into small pieces
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 3 green onions (scallions), sliced for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- 2
Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges brown and fat renders, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper, sautéing together over medium-high heat until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, roughly 6-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- 5
Pour in the drained red beans, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- 6
Add the bay leaves, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and thyme, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- 7
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to medium-low and maintain a gentle simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes.
- 8
Stir occasionally throughout simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the beans.
- 9
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed, keeping in mind the sausage contributes saltiness.
- 10
Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated broth, or add more broth if you like it soupier.
- 11
Remove the bay leaves and discard them before serving.
- 12
Ladle the red bean mixture generously over warm brown rice in individual bowls.
- 13
Top each serving with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley for brightness and color.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Andouille sausage | Smoked turkey sausage or extra beans for plant-based version | Reduces saturated fat and overall calories while maintaining smoky depth through paprika and spices |
| White rice | Brown rice or wild rice blend | Brown rice provides more fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins while having a lower glycemic index for better blood sugar control |
| Canned red kidney beans | Dried beans (soaked overnight and cooked until tender) or cannellini beans | Dried beans contain more resistant starch and fiber; you control sodium content entirely |
| Standard chicken broth | Homemade bone broth or low-sodium vegetable broth | Bone broth adds collagen for gut health and joint support; low-sodium option reduces overall sodium intake by 30-40% |
| Canned fire-roasted tomatoes | Fresh tomatoes (blanched and crushed) or tomato paste with added fresh tomato juice | Fresh tomatoes contain more lycopene and reduce processed ingredient content while lowering added sodium |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 475 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 28mg |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Fiber | 12g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 22g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
