Easy Red Beans & Rice with Sausage
There is something about Cajun food, it’s comforting, addicting, and just a little bit spicy. That’s exactly how I’d describe this seriously easy red beans and rice with sausage dish. The kids love it, the husband loves it, and I made sure the ingredients are quality. You can’t go wrong. And if you want something seriously easy on a weeknight, that’s this dish. In fact, it’s so easy my kids practically made it! Don’t believe me? Watch the video below. 🙂
The heartiness from the sausage and beans compliment the light and fluffy white rice. The sausage adds extra flavor and protein, while the cajun seasoning kicks up the heat, just ever so slightly. Top this dish with green onions to give it that fresh taste and crunch.
Health Benefits:
While Cajun food might not be the first cuisine that comes to your mind when thinking “healthy food,” many of the ingredients used in their dishes bring some great benefits to the body.
Cajun spices: There are a variety of spices used in Cajun seasonings. Two prominent ones to mention are paprika and cayenne. Both spices come from peppers and contain healthy amounts of capsaicin, carotenoids and antioxidants. These compounds help with healthy aging, some cancers, heart health and sun damage. Just read the ingredients, as some seasoning blends add fillers.
The kidney beans in this dish are a legume that is rich in protein and fiber. They help stabalize blood sugar, promote heart and digestive health. They also are a great source of folate, manganese, iron and copper. This helps with cell turnover and helps aid in weight loss.
To Make:
First, steam your rice.
As the rice is steaming, saute your sausage in a large skillet until golden.
Move sausage to a plate and add veggies. Saute until softened.
Add sausage back in with the veggies and add remaining ingredients (minus cooked rice and green onions)
With a masher, mash the beans for a few minutes to help thicken the sauce and create a creamier consistency
Bring dish to a boil, then reduce to a simmer
Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Serve red beans and sausage over rice and topped with green onions
If you liked this recipe, then you will love this gumbo!
Easy Red Beans & Rice with Sausage
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cans kidney beans, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1 lb cooked sausage (I like Nature’s Rancher from Whole Foods), sliced
1/2 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried parsley
large pinch of dried sage
2 tsp cajun seasoning
juice of half a lemon
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste*
topping: sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the rice
Cook rice according to package directions. Cover and keep warm. -
Brown the sausage
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until nicely golden on both sides. Transfer to a plate. -
Build the base
In the same pan (don’t wipe it out), add onion, celery, and bell pepper (if using). Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Simmer the beans
Return sausage to the pan. Add kidney beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, parsley, sage, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Stir well. -
Thicken
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash about ¼–⅓ of the beans directly in the pan. This thickens the sauce without making it pasty. -
Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy. Add a splash of broth if it tightens too much. Add a splash of lemon juice. -
Finish & serve
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt or Cajun seasoning.
Serve over rice and top with green onions.
Notes
Salt note: Cajun seasoning varies wildly. If yours is salty, start with ½ tsp salt and adjust at the end.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
