If you’ve ever ordered red beans and rice from Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, you know it’s a comforting classic with a smoky kick. This homemade version captures the same rich, savory flavors, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner.
With tender beans, flavorful sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s a meal in itself. The best part? It’s budget-friendly, filling, and tastes even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. The slow simmering of beans with sausage, onions, and Cajun spices creates a deep, smoky taste that pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice.
It’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a hearty side, and it’s just as welcome at a weeknight dinner as it is at a casual gathering. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it all week long.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Pro Tips
- If using dried beans, soak them overnight for faster cooking.
- Browning the sausage before simmering adds extra flavor to the whole dish.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- For creamier beans, mash some against the side of the pot during cooking.
- Serve with cornbread to make it a complete Southern-style meal.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Colander for rinsing beans
Substitutions & Variations
- Beans: Use canned beans for a quicker version, or try black beans for a twist.
- Protein: Swap smoked sausage for ham hocks or leftover pulled pork.
- Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Spice level: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Rice: Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and reheat. Store the beans and rice separately so the rice doesn’t soak up all the sauce.
Cooked beans freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Beans
If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add Seasonings
Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute.
5. Add Beans and Broth
Return sausage to the pot along with the beans. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Simmer
Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1½–2 hours for dried beans, or 30 minutes for canned beans, until beans are tender.
7. Mash for Creaminess
If you like a thicker texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them in. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
8. Serve
Spoon beans over a bed of warm white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Freeze for longer storage—just keep the beans and rice separate for the best texture.
Nutrition & Benefits
Red beans are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and potassium. Adding vegetables boosts the vitamin content, while smoked sausage brings satisfying flavor and richness.
This dish is hearty yet wholesome, especially if served with whole grain rice and a side of greens.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
2. Can I skip the sausage?
Yes, just use extra vegetables or beans.
3. What’s the best rice for this dish?
Long-grain white rice is traditional, but jasmine or brown rice works too.
4. Can I make it spicier?
Add hot sauce, cayenne, or extra Cajun seasoning.
5. How do I thicken the beans?
Mash some beans in the pot or simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
A Southern Classic at Your Table
Cheddar’s red beans and rice is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. With smoky sausage, tender beans, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Whether you serve it for a casual family dinner or meal prep it for the week, this recipe brings a taste of Southern comfort right to your kitchen.
