Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice – A Classic Southern

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal, this Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a must-try! Slow-cooked red beans, smoky sausage, and bold Cajun spices come together in this classic Southern dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Traditionally served on Mondays in New Orleans, this dish is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve it over fluffy rice for the ultimate Southern comfort meal!

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Ingredients for Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

the Red Beans:

• 1 lb (450g) dried red beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)

the Rice:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt

Garnishing (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Sliced green onions
• Extra hot sauce

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Large saucepan for cooking rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Red Beans

1. Soak the beans overnight – Place dried beans in a large bowl, cover with water, and let soak for at least 8 hours. Drain before cooking.

2. Sauté the Sausage & Vegetables

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned (5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, and celery (the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking).
4. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, cayenne, and Cajun seasoning.

3. Simmer the Beans

1. Add the soaked red beans, bay leaves, and water or broth to the pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. After 1 hour, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and browned sausage.

4. Cook the Rice

1. In a separate saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add 2 cups of rice and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

5. Thicken the Beans & Serve!

1. Once beans are tender, mash some against the side of the pot to create a creamy consistency.
2. Remove bay leaves and discard.
3. Serve hot over steamed white rice, garnished with chopped parsley and green onions.

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Expert Tips for the Best Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Soak the beans overnight – This reduces cooking time and ensures creamy, tender beans.
Use smoked sausage – Andouille adds authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa works too.
Mash some beans – This creates a rich, thick texture without adding cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the soak – Unsoaked beans take longer to cook and may stay firm.
Overcrowding the pot – Cook sausage separately first for the best flavor.
Not stirring enough – Beans can stick to the bottom if not stirred occasionally.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with a side of cornbread for an authentic Southern meal.
• Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
• Pair with collard greens or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian – Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth.
• Add a ham hock or bacon for extra smoky flavor.
• Use canned beans – If short on time, use two (15 oz) cans of drained red beans and simmer for just 30 minutes.

What to Serve with Red Beans and Rice

• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Fried green tomatoes or coleslaw

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes, since canned beans are already cooked.

What’s the best sausage to use?

Andouille sausage is traditional, but kielbasa or smoked turkey sausage also works well.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, then mash some beans for creaminess.

Conclusion

This Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prepping. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this dish is guaranteed to bring bold Southern flavors to your table!

Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more classic recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 450 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings).

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2.5 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Serves: 6

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