cajun rice and beans recipe
The Best cajun rice and beans recipe
Easy Cajun Rice and Beans
A hearty, flavorful dish combining tender rice and beans with bold Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a comforting meal.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pinto beans, rinsed
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (optional)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup Cajun seasoning blend
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a large pot, combine rinsed beans, diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Add enough broth to cover the beans by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil. -
2
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes. If using ground meat, brown it in a skillet first, then add it to the pot with the other ingredients. -
3
While the beans cook, rinse the rice thoroughly. In the same pot, add the rice and broth, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. -
4
After 15 minutes, remove the bay leaf and stir in the cooked beans and meat (if used). Let the mixture simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes until the rice is tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
🔧Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce at the end of cooking.
- To speed up cooking, use a pressure cooker for the beans and rice simultaneously.
- This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
Watch Video Of How Easy Cajun Rice and Beans Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Rice and Beans
How do I adjust the spice level in this Cajun rice and beans recipe?
Yes, you can easily tweak the spice level by reducing or omitting the Cajun seasoning blend. Start with half the recommended amount and add more gradually—taste as you go. If you prefer milder heat, skip the smoked paprika or reduce the cayenne pepper to one-quarter of the listed amount.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Absolutely. If using dried beans, soak them overnight in water with a pinch of baking soda to soften them faster. Cook them in a pot with a little extra liquid (about 2 cups per pound of beans) until tender, then drain and rinse before adding to the recipe. Dried beans will take longer to cook than canned, so plan for an extra 30–45 minutes.
What’s the best way to keep the rice fluffy after cooking?
To avoid mushy rice, cook it in a pot with just enough water or broth to cover the rice by one inch. After cooking, let it sit covered with a damp towel for 5 minutes off the heat. Stir gently, then fluff with a fork before mixing in the beans.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the Cajun seasoning blend you use—some store-bought blends may contain wheat. If unsure, opt for a certified gluten-free seasoning or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the rice and beans separately up to 2 days ahead. Store the cooked rice and beans in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently in a pot with a splash of water or broth until warm. For best texture, combine the rice and beans just before serving.
