Cajun-Spiced Red Beans and Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A flavorful regional Cajun dish featuring red beans simmered with aromatic vegetables and smoked sausage, served over fluffy white rice. This latin american-inspired rice & grains ready in about 135 minutes pairs dried red kidney beans, smoked Andouille sausage, sliced, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 500 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1 cup dried red kidney beans overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced smoked Andouille sausage and sauté for 5 minutes until browned and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add soaked beans, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, cook 2 cups uncooked white rice according to package instructions.
  6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf from the beans, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve the beans over the cooked white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Red Beans and Rice take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Red Beans and Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dried red kidney beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Red Beans and Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Red Beans and Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Red Beans and Rice?

Latin American rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes