Craving a hearty Red Beans and Rice Recipe with Canned Beans that’s fast, flavourful, and satisfying? This Southern classic delivers rich, smoky taste in a fraction of the time, making it the perfect weeknight comfort meal. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Key Ingredients for Red Beans and Rice Recipe:
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this Red Beans and Rice flavourful and balanced:
- Canned Red Beans: Quick to prepare and high in fiber and protein.
- Andouille Sausage: Adds smoky flavour while providing rich protein.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, offering heart-healthy fats.
- Garlic: Enhances flavour and boosts immunity.
- Onions, Celery, and Bell Peppers: Serve as the flavour base and are packed with nutrients.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and essential minerals to the dish.
- Long Grain Rice: Complements the dish and is a good source of energy.
- Bay Leaves, Oregano, Thyme, and Cayenne Pepper: Enhance the flavour with anti-inflammatory benefits.
How to make Red Beans And Rice Recipe With Canned Beans step by step:
1
Heat the Oil and Brown the Sausage
- ◉ Start by heating 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- ◉ Cut 12-14 oz. Andouille sausage into ¼-inch slices. If you prefer, you can use chicken sausage or your favourite type of sausage.
- ◉ Add the sausage to the pot and cook until browned. The key here is to let the sausage release its fat and flavours, which will be the foundation for the dish.
TIPS
- For a meatless option, skip the sausage and opt for a vegetarian red beans and rice version.
2
Sauté the Aromatics
- ◉ Once the sausage is done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
- ◉ In the same pot, add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced celery ribs, and 1 diced red bell pepper and green bell pepper.
- ◉ Let these cook for a minute to release their natural flavours, helping to loosen any bits stuck to the pot (the fond).
3
Add Garlic and Spices
- ◉ Add 6 minced garlic cloves to the pot and stir until fragrant.
- ◉ Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp paprika, and a pinch of ground cayenne red pepper if you like heat.
- ◉ Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes.
4
Add Canned Red Beans and Broth
- ◉ Open and drain canned red beans (or kidney beans, if preferred).
- ◉ Add the beans to the pot, followed by 6-7 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
- ◉ Stir in 2 bay leaves and bring the mixture to a boil.
TIPS
- For a vegetarian red beans and rice recipe, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
5
Simmer and Thicken the Beans
- ◉ Lower the heat to a simmer, add 1 smoked turkey neck (optional), and let the mixture cook for about an hour. This will let the flavours meld together and thicken the beans.
- ◉ If you want a thicker consistency, mash a portion of the beans and stir it back into the pot. This is a natural thickener without needing extra ingredients.
6
Cook the Rice
◉ While the beans are simmering, cook 1½ cups long-grain rice according to package instructions. For a Louisiana canned red beans and rice recipe, you might want to use jasmine rice for a softer texture.
7
Combine and Serve
- ◉ Once the beans are done, remove the bay leaves and smoked turkey neck.
- ◉ Stir in ½ cup chopped fresh parsley and garnish with chopped green onions.
- ◉ Serve the beans over rice and enjoy your homemade quickie red beans and rice recipe!
PRO TIPS
- For a twist, add sausage back in the pot for extra flavour or create a version of red beans and rice with canned beans and sausage.
- This easy red beans and rice recipe with canned beans can be adjusted for a vegetarian version, a slow-cooked method, or even a 3-ingredient variation for days when you’re in a hurry.
Variations and Customizations:
- Vegetarian Red Beans and Rice: Swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or omit it entirely. Add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture and flavour.
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick, perfect for those who like heat!
- Creole Style: Incorporate a Creole seasoning mix to give the dish more traditional Louisiana flavours
- Red Beans and Rice with Sausage: If you’re a meat lover, add some cooked smoked sausage or even bacon for added richness.
- Crockpot Red Beans and Rice: Throw everything into the slow cooker for a hands-off version that deepens the flavours over time.
Dietary Considerations:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt to make it heart-friendly.
- Vegan Option: To make the dish vegan, use vegetable broth and remove the sausage. You can add a smoky seasoning like liquid smoke to retain the flavour.
- Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice to cut down on carbohydrates.
Nutrition and Health:
- Protein-Rich: The combination of canned red beans and sausage offers a good dose of protein, keeping you full and energized.
- High in Fiber: Beans are rich in fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you satisfied longer.
- Antioxidants: The bell peppers, garlic, and herbs offer a boost of antioxidants, supporting overall health.
- Heart Health: Olive oil and beans contain heart-healthy fats and nutrients, making this a balanced and wholesome dish.
Recipe Adaptations:
- For Kids: Tone down the spices by reducing the cayenne pepper and opting for a milder sausage to suit younger palates.
- Quick Version: Use pre-cooked sausage and canned beans without rinsing to shave off cooking time.
- Meal Prep: This recipe stores well! Make a big batch, refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storages
- One-Pot Meal: Cook the rice directly in the broth with the other ingredients for fewer dishes and a flavour-packed result.
Recipe:
Yield: 6
Easy Red Beans and Rice Recipe with Canned Beans
This easy and flavourful red beans and rice recipe uses canned beans, making it a perfect quick meal while still capturing the authentic taste. Let's dive right in!
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 12 to 14 oz. Andouille Sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 Smoked Turkey Neck or Drum (optional)
- ½ tbsp Butter
- 1 large Yellow Onion, diced
- 2 Celery Ribs, diced
- 1 small Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 small Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ⅛ tsp Ground Cayenne Red Pepper (optional, to taste)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- 6 to 7 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 2 Bay Leaves
- ½ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh Green Onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1½ cups Long-Grain Rice, cooked
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 12-14 oz. sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced celery ribs, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced green bell pepper.
- Cook for about a minute to soften and release their flavours.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
- Add 6 minced garlic cloves and stir until fragrant.
- Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp paprika, and ⅛ tsp ground cayenne pepper (if desired). Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add Canned Red Beans and Broth
- Add 6-7 cups low-sodium chicken broth and stir in 2 bay leaves.
- Drain and rinse canned red beans and add them to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer the Beans
- Simmer the mixture for about 1 hour, allowing the flavours to blend and the broth to reduce. You can mash some beans for a thicker consistency if desired.
Step 6: Prepare the Rice
- While the beans simmer, cook 1½ cups long-grain rice according to the package instructions.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
- Once the beans are done, remove the bay leaves and stir in ½ cup fresh parsley.
- Serve the beans over cooked rice and garnish with fresh green onions and additional parsley.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 850mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 8gSugar: 5gProtein: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, canned beans work perfectly for this recipe. They save time and still give you the rich flavour of traditional red beans and rice.
What kind of sausage should I use?
Andouille sausage is the best choice for that authentic Louisiana flavour. If you can’t find it, smoked sausage or even kielbasa works well too.
How long does it take to cook?
With canned beans, the recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish, including prep time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make red beans and rice vegetarian by skipping the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze red beans and rice?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra veggies like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition without altering the taste.
What can I serve with red beans and rice?
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with cornbread, a green salad, or sautéed greens for a complete meal.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make a red beans and rice crockpot version by cooking all the ingredients on low for 6-8 hours or until the flavours come together.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mash some of the beans and stir them back into the pot to naturally thicken the sauce.
Summary
Recipe Name
Baked Sweet Potato Frittata Recipe
Author Name
Sophie
Published On
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