southern red beans recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
southern red beans recipe
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The Best southern red beans recipe

I’ve always been a fan of Southern cuisine, and one dish that never fails to hit the spot is red beans. This hearty, comforting recipe has been a staple in the South for generations, and for good reason. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal after a long day or a crowd-pleaser for your next family gathering, Southern red beans are the way to go. The best part? They’re incredibly versatile – you can serve them as a main course, use them as a side dish, or even turn them into a delicious breakfast skillet.

My kids love helping me cook this recipe, and I love how it brings our family together. There’s just something special about sitting down to a warm, steaming bowl of red beans on a chilly evening. And did I mention how good they are for you?

Packed with fiber, protein, and all sorts of essential vitamins and minerals, red beans are a nutritious choice that’s hard to beat. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make – just toss some dried beans into a pot with some aromatics and let them simmer all day long. My grandmother used to make this recipe all the time when I was growing up, and I still make it today.

It’s just one of those comfort foods that never fails to put a smile on my face.

Southern Red Beans and Rice

Southern Red Beans and Rice

4.7 from 577 votes

A classic southern dish featuring creamy red beans slow-cooked with spices and served over fluffy rice. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours 45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Red Beans

1 lb dried red beans
1 large onion, diced
1 large bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups water
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the red beans and pick out any debris or small stones.
2Soak the beans in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
5Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery.
6Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
7Add the minced garlic and sliced sausage to the pot.
8Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
9Stir in the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
10Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the tomatoes to soften.
11Add the drained red beans and chicken broth to the pot.
12Stir well to combine.
13Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
14Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
15Add more broth or water if the beans become too dry
16While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice.
17Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
18In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, and salt.
19Bring to a boil over high heat.
20Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
21Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
22Fluff with a fork before serving.
23Once the red beans are tender, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
24If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the beans, leaving some whole for texture.
25Serve the red beans hot over a bed of fluffy rice.
26Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a ham hock or bacon for added flavor.

Watch Video Of How Southern Red Beans and Rice Works

One of the best things about Southern-style red beams is how well they lend themselves to reheating – whether you’ve got leftovers from last night’s dinner or want something quick and easy for breakfast today.

Just reheat them until warm through (about five minutes in the microwave should do), then serve over rice or with some crusty bread on the side.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Red Beans and Rice

Q: What type of beans should I use for this recipe?

A: For traditional Southern red beans, you’ll want to use either kidney beans or pinto beans. Kidney beans have a slightly firmer texture and a deeper flavor than pinto beans, but both will work beautifully in this recipe.

Q: Can I use canned red beans instead of cooking dried beans from scratch?

A: While canned red beans can be convenient, they simply can’t compare to the rich flavor and tender texture of cooked dried beans. If you want the authentic taste of Southern red beans, you’ll need to take the time to cook your own dried beans from scratch.

Q: How do I know when my red beams are done cooking?

A: When cooking dried red beams from scratch, it’s essential to check on them regularly to avoid overcooking. You want your beams to be tender but still hold their shape – if they’re mushy or falling apart, they’re overcooked.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

A: Yes! Both slow cookers and Instant Pots can be used to cook red beams from scratch. Simply brown your aromatics in a skillet before transferring everything to your chosen cooking vessel – then let it simmer all day long.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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