Red Beans And Rice Recipe
Red Beans and Rice is a timeless southern classic that brings warmth and flavor to every comforting bite. Hearty red beans mingle with savory seasonings over fluffy white rice for pure satisfaction.
A weeknight staple or a soulful weekend favorite, this dish is quick to prepare yet rich in tradition. Each spoonful is a taste of the South’s beloved, budget-friendly comfort food.
What You’ll Need for Red Beans and Rice
- Red beans – The heart of the dish, providing creamy texture and robust flavor.
- Bacon grease – Adds depth and a smoky southern note that defines authentic Red Beans and Rice.
- Butter – Balances the smokiness with richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- Creole seasoning – Delivers bold, zesty layers that make this dish unmistakably southern.
- Garlic powder & onion powder – Bring essential aromatic warmth and savory undertones.
- Long grain white rice – The fluffy bed that soaks up all the flavorful goodness.
Quick & Cozy Steps to Make Red Beans and Rice
Start by melting bacon grease and butter in a large skillet over medium heat to build a rich base. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, creole seasoning, salt, and pepper, blooming the spices for extra depth.
Add the undrained red beans and a splash of water, then stir to combine all that seasoning magic. Use a potato masher to partially mash the beans, creating a mix of creamy and chunky textures that makes every bite hearty and satisfying.
Simmer the beans for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the flavors deepen. Spoon the savory beans over warm rice and enjoy a soulful bowl of comfort.
Tips & Flavor Twists for Perfect Red Beans and Rice
For extra depth, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, or celery along with the seasonings for a more traditional Creole touch. Swap bacon grease for smoked sausage for an extra layer of smoky flavor if you’d like a meatier bite.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce while simmering. Red Beans and Rice welcomes your personal spin—just don’t skip the slow simmer, which coaxes out all the best flavors.
Keeping Leftovers Tasty
Store any leftover Red Beans and Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The beans actually taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the beans back up. For longer storage, freeze the beans separately from the rice and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, comforting meal anytime.
Red Beans And Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 15.5 ounce cans red beans, undrained
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease or substitute with butter
- 4 cups cooked long grain white rice for serving
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
Instructions
- In a spacious skillet set over medium heat, melt the bacon grease together with the salted butter until fully liquefied. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, creole seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly and allowing the spices to bloom for about one minute. Incorporate the undrained red beans along with the water, stirring until the mixture is evenly combined. Using a potato masher, gently crush the beans, leaving a mix of both large and small pieces for varied texture. Bring the beans to a gentle simmer and maintain it for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring periodically and scraping the bottom to prevent sticking, until the mixture has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve promptly over the prepared long grain white rice.
