Big Easy Red Beans and Rice: Frugal, Fabulous, and Full of Flavor

New Orleans is a city of magic—a place where music spills out of every doorway, beads rain down from balconies, and food is elevated to an art form. It’s a destination that delights all the senses, and few dishes capture the soul of the Crescent City quite like red beans and rice.

Why is this dish so beloved? Because it’s everything you want in a meal: it’s hearty, budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and bursting with flavor. It’s comfort food that feels like a warm hug from your grandma—but with a little Louisiana spice thrown in for good measure.

And if you need an excuse to whip up a pot of this iconic dish, here it is: Mardi Gras is just around the corner! While Mardi Gras (or “Fat Tuesday”) traditionally marks the last hurrah before the fasting and sacrifice of Lent, I personally believe in celebrating the “fat” part of Fat Tuesday year-round. I mean, who doesn’t want an extra reason to indulge?

Red beans and rice is the ultimate no-fuss meal. Back in the day, Mondays were laundry day in the South, and this dish was the perfect solution for busy homemakers. They’d toss leftover ham bones from Sunday dinner into a pot with red beans, spices, and veggies, and let it simmer while they tackled the week’s mountain of chores. No leftovers? No problem. We’ve got a streamlined version for modern-day cooks that delivers all the flavor without the fuss.

A Few Fun Facts to Spice Things Up:

1. Why red beans on Monday? Monday was traditionally “wash day” in New Orleans. Red beans could simmer away unattended, making it the perfect meal for multitasking. The tradition lives on, though luckily, most of us don’t have to spend all day scrubbing clothes by hand!
2. What’s Mardi Gras all about? Beyond the beads and parades, Mardi Gras is about joy, indulgence, and community. It’s the perfect excuse to share a great meal with friends and family while channeling your inner bon vivant.
3. What makes Creole seasoning so special? This zesty blend is a staple of New Orleans cooking, adding bold flavor to everything from gumbo to grilled shrimp. You can make your own (recipe below) or grab a store-bought version to save time.

The Secret to the Best Red Beans and Rice

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but a few tips will take your red beans and rice from good to unforgettable:

• The sausage matters. Andouille is traditional, with its smoky, spicy kick, but if you prefer a milder flavor, smoked kielbasa works beautifully.
• The rice deserves love. Cook it in chicken broth with a pat of butter for rice that’s as flavorful as the beans themselves.
• Low and slow wins the race. Let the beans simmer for as long as possible to allow all the flavors to meld. The aroma alone will make your house feel like you’ve been transported to the French Quarter.

Let’s Cook!

Big Easy Red Beans and Rice

Yield: 4-6 servings | Time: 90 minutes

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
• 1 link (13.5 oz.) smoked sausage, andouille or kielbasa, cut into ¼-inch slices
• 1 large onion (1 ½ cups), chopped
• 2 ribs celery (1 cup), chopped
• 1 green bell pepper (about 1 cup), chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (make your own—recipe below!)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans red beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups cooked rice

Here’s How:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, rendering that smoky, flavorful fat. Remove the sausage and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add chicken stock, Creole seasoning, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Add beans and let the mixture simmer gently for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor becomes. Add water if the mixture gets too thick.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt if necessary. Remove bay leaves before serving.
5. Serve over cooked rice and enjoy with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or even a glass of sweet tea. Bonus points for playing some Dixieland jazz in the background!

IRRESISTIBLE RICE

Yield: 6 cups | Time: 30 minutes

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups chicken broth or bouillon
• 2 cups long grain white or basmati rice
• 1 tablespoon butter

Here’s How:

1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Stir in the rice and butter. If using low-sodium broth, add ½ teaspoon salt.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes to ensure the fluffiest rice.

Perfectly tender, flavorful rice every time!

Make Your Own Creole Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon each: black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme
• Cayenne pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon and adjust as desired).

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!

Mardi Gras is more than just a celebration—it’s a state of mind. It’s about finding joy in the little things, whether that’s a lively parade, a good meal, or the people you share it with. So let the good times roll, and don’t forget: this dish isn’t just for Mardi Gras. It’s perfect anytime you want a little taste of the Big Easy.

As they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler! – Let the Good Times Roll!!!!”

You’ll also love – For Mardi Gras – SHORT CUT KING CAKE and Easy Jambalaya – for delicious dinner anytime – Molletes – The 15-minute Meal Miracle