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Southern-Style Red Beans with Andouille

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

This authentic Southern red beans and rice combines slow-cooked beans with spicy andouille sausage, bell peppers, and Cajun seasonings. The beans simmer for nearly two hours, creating a rich, flavorful dish with the perfect creamy consistency. While it takes time to prepare, most is hands-off, making it ideal for weekend cooking with plenty of leftovers for busy weeknights.
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Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:27:42 GMT
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Red Beans And Rice | cookingkeys.com

Transform humble dried beans into a rich, deeply flavored Southern classic that combines creamy red beans with spicy Andouille sausage and aromatic vegetables. This authentic Creole dish proves that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something extraordinary. After perfecting this recipe through countless pots, it's become our favorite way to experience true Louisiana comfort food.

Last weekend, I served this to guests who couldn't believe such rich flavor came from such simple ingredients. Sometimes the best recipes come from humble beginnings and patient cooking.

Essential Ingredients

  • Dried Red Beans: Soaked overnight
  • Andouille Sausage: For authentic flavor
  • Holy Trinity: Onions, celery, bell peppers
  • Fresh Garlic: Multiple cloves
  • Quality Broth: Homemade preferred
  • Long Grain Rice: For serving

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Bean Preparation:
Begin by sorting through dried beans to remove any debris, then soak overnight in plenty of water. This crucial step ensures even cooking and creamy texture. The beans should be covered by at least two inches of water.
Sausage Development:
Brown sliced Andouille sausage in olive oil until golden. This creates a flavor foundation for the entire dish. Remove sausage but leave the flavorful drippings behind for cooking vegetables.
Trinity Building:
Sauté the "holy trinity" of diced onions, celery, and bell peppers in butter until softened. This aromatic base is essential to authentic Creole flavor. Add garlic and spices to bloom their flavors.
Slow Simmering:
Combine beans, sausage, seasonings, and broth. Simmer gently for up to two hours until beans are creamy inside but still hold their shape. The slow cooking allows flavors to meld perfectly.
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Red Beans And Rice Recipe | cookingkeys.com

This recipe evolved from the Louisiana tradition of cooking red beans on Mondays using Sunday's ham bone. Sometimes the most beloved recipes come from making the most of what's available.

Temperature Control

Success lies in maintaining proper heat throughout cooking. Start with medium-high to brown sausage and vegetables, then reduce to a gentle simmer for the beans. Think of it as a slow dance - rushing will only result in tough beans and underdeveloped flavors.

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Delicious Red Beans And Rice Recipe | cookingkeys.com

Storage Strategy

Keep beans and rice separate for storage. Beans will last up to a week refrigerated and three months frozen, while rice should be used within 24 hours. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain proper consistency. The flavor actually improves after a day or two.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soulful dish with:

  • Fresh cornbread
  • Collard greens
  • Coleslaw for contrast
  • Hot sauce on the side
  • Extra green onions and parsley
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Best Red Beans And Rice Recipe | cookingkeys.com

Final Thoughts

This Louisiana Red Beans and Rice represents the perfect marriage of humble ingredients and patient cooking. Each spoonful delivers deep, soulful flavor that's been developed over hours of careful preparation. Whether you're exploring Southern cuisine or seeking the ultimate comfort food, this recipe proves that time-honored traditions create the most satisfying meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do I have to soak the beans overnight?
Yes, soaking helps beans cook faster and more evenly, and makes them easier to digest.
→ Can I use canned beans instead?
Yes, use about 2 (15-oz) cans and reduce cooking time to 30 minutes.
→ What if I can't find andouille sausage?
Substitute with smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even ham hocks.
→ How spicy is this dish?
Moderately spicy from the andouille and cayenne. Adjust cayenne to control heat level.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze beans separate from rice for up to 3 months.

Classic Red Beans and Rice

Tender red beans and spicy andouille sausage slowly simmered with vegetables and Cajun seasonings, served over rice.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
140 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American/Southern

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound dry red beans
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 12-14 ounces andouille sausage, cut into ¼-inch slices
04 ½ tablespoon butter
05 1 large yellow onion, diced
06 2 celery ribs, diced
07 1 small red bell pepper, diced
08 1 small green bell pepper, diced
09 6 cloves garlic, minced
10 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
11 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
13 ½ teaspoon paprika
14 ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne red pepper, or to taste
15 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 6-7 cups low sodium vegetable broth
17 2 bay leaves
18 ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
19 ¼ cup chopped fresh green onions, plus more for garnish
20 1½ cups long grain brown rice or white rice, cooked according to package

Instructions

Step 01

Place dry beans in large pot or bowl, cover with water about 2 inches above beans. Soak 8 hours or overnight.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook sausage slices until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

Add butter to pot. Cook onions 3 minutes, add celery and bell peppers and cook 4 more minutes. Add garlic and cook 15 seconds.

Step 04

Add salt, oregano, thyme, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute more.

Step 05

Add broth, drained beans, sausage, and bay leaves. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low.

Step 06

Cover and simmer 1½-2 hours until beans are soft and tender. Remove bay leaves.

Step 07

Remove 1 cup beans, mash with fork, return to pot and stir. Add water if too thick. Adjust seasonings.

Step 08

Stir in parsley and green onions, cook 5 more minutes. Serve over cooked rice.

Notes

  1. Check dry beans for debris before soaking
  2. Can substitute canned beans (2 15-oz cans) for shorter cooking time
  3. Can use other proteins like ham, smoked turkey instead of sausage
  4. Store leftovers separately from rice for up to one week

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • Large bowl for soaking beans
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 424
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 20 g