Easy Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Whether you’re in a hurry or have all day, this easy Cajun red beans and rice with sausage recipe is sure to please as a tasty meal or side.

What’s your favorite dish to make on a Sunday night? Maybe it’s roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots, or maybe it’s homemade pizza. But what about something hearty like red beans and rice?

Cajun Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage is a classic dish that is easy to make for any night of the week. It’s comfort food at its best! This delicious recipe will teach you how to cook this delicious meal that packs in tons of authentic Cajun flavor in no time.

Cajun red beans and rice is a classic dish from Louisiana. This recipe for easy Cajun red beans and rice with Cajun sausage will make you feel like you’re in the bayou country, enjoying this down-home favorite.

The best part about this beans and rice recipe is how versatile it can be! It can be made vegetarian by swapping out the smoky andouille sausage for tempeh bacon or Soy Chorizo – so if you are looking for something meatless then look no further!

Serve this dirty rice dish as a flavourful side dish or as a main dish with loads of classic Cajun flavor. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal, or as a side with any protein. It’s a great recipe for anyone who loves creole cooking. Your whole family is sure to love this homemade red beans and rice dish.

If you’re in the mood for some good ol’ comfort food that will fill up any hungry stomachs, then this easy recipe is for you!

How to Store Authentic Red Beans & Rice

If you have leftovers, it is best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

How to Make Homemade Cajun Seasoning

To save time, you can purchase pre-made Cajun seasoning. However, it is very easy to prepare at home, as well, and any excess seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for several months.

As a bonus, homemade spice blends won’t include the preservatives found in prepared versions. Plus, preparing your own Cajun blend will allow you to control the level of heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used.

I have included the recipe for homemade Creole seasoning in the notes section on the recipe card.

Cajun Seasoning Ingredients:

1 T. garlic powder
1 T. smoked paprika
½ T. onion powder
2 t. dried oregano
1 t. dried thyme
2 t. cayenne pepper
1 t. ground white pepper (black pepper is OK)
2 t. fine sea salt

Directions:

Prepare the Cajun seasoning by combining all ingredients together in a bowl. Stir to combine and transfer to an airtight container.

About the Ingredients for Cajun Beans and Rice

Sausage – Spicy Andouille sausage is the best option here. I sometimes have problems getting it here, so if you can’t find it then chorizo has a similar flavour, or polish sausage has a similar texture if you don’t mind missing out on the heat. For best results you do want to use Andouille though.

The Holy Trinity – The holy trinity in Cajun cuisine and Louisiana Creole cuisine is the base for dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, and consists of onions, bell peppers and celery. We are using a mix of green peppers and red peppers here.

Cajun Seasoning – See notes above.

Rice – This recipe was developed and tested with basmati rice. Cook time will vary if using different types of rice. Check package instructions and adjust accordingly. Long grain white rice is more authentic but basmati is equally good. Brown rice could be interesting here but would take a lot longer to cook.

Broth – Chicken broth (or chicken stock) will give your rice dish loads of flavour but you can use water (or vegetable broth) instead.

Kidney Beans – Using canned kidney beans is easiest, but you can also prepare dry kidney beans in advance. Remember dry beans typically require soaking before you cook them. If you aren’t a fan of red kidney beans, you can substitute black beans instead.

To Garnish – Parsley, hot sauce, green onions etc.. Garnish as you like.

Looking for More Easy Meal Ideas?

Check out some of my favourite weekday dinner recipes!

This quick and easy sheet pan lemon chicken and vegetables dinner recipe is bursting with flavour.

This recipe for an easy beef taco skillet makes a hearty family meal or serve with tortilla chips instead for an addictive appetizer!

This easy beef enchiladas recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to become a favourite weeknight family dinner.

How to Make Cajun Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

Yields: 4-6 Servings | Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 35-40 mins

Ingredients:

3 3-oz. Cajun Andouille sausage links, sliced
2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 c. chopped white onion
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped green bell pepper
½ c. chopped red bell pepper
1-2 T. Cajun seasoning, divided
1 c. basmati rice
2 c. chicken broth or water
2 15-oz. cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3 T. fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions:

Add Andouille sausage to a large skillet set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer browned sausage to a plate and set aside.

Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet and increase to medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and red pepper. Sprinkle with one tablespoon Cajun seasoning and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and develop some color, approximately 5-6 minutes.

Add remaining olive oil and the rice to the skillet. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, while stirring continually. Add the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet by lightly scraping the bottom with a spatula or wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits.

Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove lid and add the browned Andouille sausage, kidney beans, and additional Cajun seasoning, if desired. Stir to combine and cover for 5-10 minutes.

Remove the lid and add the fresh parsley. Fluff the rice with a fork while stirring the parsley into the mixture. Serve immediately. Enjoy!