One Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe! Made with bacon, mirepoix, andouille sausage and spices. This dish is loaded with tons of flavor. Best of all it can be made in less than one hour! Perfect for a busy weeknight. Step by step photos included below!

Try my Crockpot Goulash for another comforting and flavorful meal!

red beans and rice in white bowl with white rice

This Authentic Red Beans and Rice is so comforting! It’s perfectly spicy, rich and creamy. It is loaded with tons of flavor thanks to the spices, creole mirepoix and spicy andouille sausage. You guys seriously have to give this recipe a try it is so good!!

I mash up some of the beans when they are done cooking to create a thick creamy sauce. If you like your red beans and rice to be saucier simply skip smashing the beans.

I opted to use canned beans in place of dried beans. Traditional recipes all use dried beans however I was looking for a quick recipe that could be made in under an hour that would be good for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

  • Mirepoix: In Cajun / New Orleans cooking this is a mix of onions, celery and green bell pepper. Mirepoix also know as “holy trinity” builds flavor to the dish.
  • Bacon: Adds a nice smokiness to the dish.
  • Red Beans: To save on time I use canned red beans however you can make this dish with red beans soaked overnight then cook for 1- 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
  • Andouille: Sausage is an important part of any red beans and rice. It is a bit spicy and smokey. If you want something milder choose a plain smoked sausage.
  • Chicken Broth: You can just use water in place of the chicken broth if you do not have any on hand.
  • Spices: Bay leaves, paprika, dried oregano and dried thyme.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Is used to give the dish brightness and a bit of acidity. Any type of vinegar will work if you don’t have red wine vinegar.

How to make Red Beans and Rice

  • Start by browning bacon: In a large skillet add diced bacon and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, 4-5 minutes.
browning bacon in large skillet
  • Saute mirepoix: Next add in onion, celery and bell pepper. Saute until golden brown and slightly tender, 3-4 minutes.
sautéed mirepoix in skillet
  • Brown sausage: Add in garlic and sliced andouille and saute for 2-3 minutes to brown the sausage.
adding andouille sausage to pot
  • Add in spices: Paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme and bay leaves. Saute the spices for 1 minute.
adding spices to pan
  • Simmer: Stir in the chicken broth and beans. Simmer on low for 25-30 minutes or until the flavors are developed and the mixture has thickened. If it has thickened too much add a splash more chicken broth.
simmering rice and beans in broth
  • Cook rice: according to package instructions. Set aside until you are ready to eat.
overhead shot of cooked red beans and rice in skillet
  • Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over rice with fresh parsley or chives for serving, if desired.

Can you freeze Red Beans and Rice?

Yes! This easy red beans and rice recipe is a great freezer meal. I would suggest freezing the rice separately from the red beans mixture. Store in an airtight container or large Ziplock bag for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove top!

Can this be made in the Instant Pot?

Yes! If you plan to use dried beans and are short on time you can make these easy red beans and rice in less than 45 minutes in the instant pot! Simply saute veggies and sausage as directed on the SAUTE option on the instant pot. Then add in the spices, broth and beans and cook on MANUAL heat for 30-35 minutes. Naturally allow the pressure to release than serve immediately and enjoy!

What to serve with red beans and rice

red beans and rice in bowl with rice

Here are other comfort food recipes to try!

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    A bowl of Easy Red Beans and Rice features tender red beans, sliced sausage, and vegetables simmered in a savory sauce, topped with a mound of fluffy white rice and garnished with chopped chives. A spoon rests in the bowl, ready for you to enjoy this comforting classic.
    Recipe

    Easy Red Beans and Rice

    3.88 from 8 votes
    One Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe! Made with bacon, mirepoix, andouille sausage and spices. This dish is loaded with tons of flavor. Best of all it can be made in less than one hour! Perfect for a busy weeknight. Step by step photos included below!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Serves 6
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    • 4 slices bacon, diced
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 2 stalks celery, diced
    • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • 1 tsp dried thyme or 2-3 sprigs of fresh
    • 2 whole bay leaves
    • 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
    • 2 (15.5 ounce) cans red beans, drained and rinsed
    • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
    • 2 cups cooked rice for serving
    • salt and pepper, to taste
    • hot sauce for serving, if desired
    • fresh parsley or chives for serving, if desired

    Instructions

    • In a large skillet add diced bacon and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, 4-5 minutes.
      A stainless steel pan with browned bacon bits and a wooden spoon resting inside, showing some oil and browned residue on the bottom—perfect for starting an easy Red Beans and Rice recipe.
    • Next add in onion, celery and bell pepper. Saute until golden brown and slightly tender, 3-4 minutes.
      A stainless steel pan with chopped red onions, green bell peppers, and celery being sautéed—the essential base for Easy Red Beans and Rice. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, gently stirring the vegetables on a white background.
    • Add in garlic and sliced andouille and saute for 2-3 minutes to brown the sausage.
      Sliced sausage, chopped green bell peppers, and onions are being sautéed in a stainless steel pan. Steam rises from the mixture as it cooks, creating the perfect flavorful base for Easy Red Beans and Rice.
    • Add in spices: paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme and bay leaves. Saute the spices for 1 minute.
      A stainless steel pan with sliced sausage, chopped green peppers, onions, spices, bay leaves, and a wooden spoon, viewed from above on a white background—perfect ingredients for making Easy Red Beans and Rice.
    • Stir in the chicken broth and beans. Simmer on low for 25-30 minutes or until the flavors are developed and the mixture has thickened. If it has thickened too much add a splash more chicken broth.
      A pot of Easy Red Beans and Rice stew with a wooden spoon resting on top. The stew contains sliced sausage, red beans, herbs, and visible bay leaves in a rich broth.
    • Meanwhile cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside until you are ready to eat.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over rice with fresh parsley or chives for serving, if desired.
      A large pot of Easy Red Beans and Rice simmers on the stove, with red beans and sliced sausage being stirred gently with a wooden spoon. The mixture appears well-seasoned, featuring visible herbs and spices throughout.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 351kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 16gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 1120mgPotassium: 443mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 889IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 2mg
    A bowl of Easy Red Beans and Rice features tender red beans, sliced sausage, and vegetables simmered in a savory sauce, topped with a mound of fluffy white rice and garnished with chopped chives. A spoon rests in the bowl, ready for you to enjoy this comforting classic.

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