This One-Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is a perfect easy weeknight meal. It’s simple, quick, rich, and hearty – all in one dish!
When I originally created this recipe and posted it to the blog, Mardi Gras season was in full swing. And while this does make for a perfect Mardi Gras meal, I also love to have it year round!
This One-Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is one of my favorite creole/cajun recipes. It is quick, easy, filled with Louisiana-influenced spices and flavors, and ready in less than an hour all in one pot!
The main ingredients are super simple – red beans, shortcut instant white rice, and delicious sausage – your choice of cajun smoked sausage, other smoked sausage, or andouille sausage. You could even add in shrimp if you wanted to. I love how this dish is versatile and features extra deliciousness from green bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, chicken stock, and creole seasoning.
And, I don’t know about you, but these types of recipes that only use one dish or bowl and don’t dirty up everything in the kitchen are my absolute favorites. Better yet, the quick cook time doesn’t mean less flavor. This dish has all the features of a beloved New Orleans meal, including what I love to call the holy trinity of Mardi Gras food – comfort, flavor, and fun. Y’all enjoy!
What is the tradition of red beans and rice on Monday?
The tradition of red beans and rice on Mondays is believed to have originated from New Orleans, where Mondays were traditionally laundry days, or as they liked to call them – “wash days.” Cooking a pot of red beans and rice was a convenient, hands-off dish that allowed people to focus on their chores while enjoying a delicious meal. Over time, it became a beloved tradition, and many still enjoy this tasty combo on Mondays for a hearty and flavorful start to the week!
Can you use less beans?
This recipe is loaded with beans. I love beans! And, I love the earthy, grounding, rich flavors they give to the dish. However, I know not everyone loves beans quite like I do, so if you wish to reduce the amount of beans in this dish, you can simply leave out one of the cans I call for in the list of ingredients. It still makes for a mouthwatering entree!
How much creole seasoning should you put in red beans and rice?
I don’t give you a specific amount for the creole seasoning listed in this recipe. The reason for that is that everyone has a different tolerance level when it comes to that kind of heat. And each different brand of creole and cajun seasoning will have varying levels of heat as well. My recommendation is to add little by little until you get it to your liking!
Recipe Card
One-Pot Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound cajun smoked sausage, andouille, or other smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans red beans (or red kidney beans), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups instant rice
- creole seasoning
Instructions
- Add the vegetable oil to a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onion, green pepper, and celery. Cook 7 to 8 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the beans and rice. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add creole seasoning to taste. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Nutrition
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
From Original Post – February 25, 2014
Things are about to get crazy around these parts! It’s hard to believe that the near 18 month journey is about to culminate in the release of my first cookbook. I’ve seen the finished product and it is absolutely gorgeous. I couldn’t be happier with it. Honestly. The photography (from by my dear friend Kim Box) is unbelievable. The hand lettered cover (by the team at Juice Box Designs) is amazing. And I hope that you find the recipes inside just as tasty as the book is beautiful. I put so much of myself in this book and I just can’t wait to share it with y’all. It’s a bit scary, too. I know there will be criticism – we all can’t see things the exact same way. And I know there will be those negative reviews out there. But sharing my food with the world is my dream and all of this “stuff” is just part of it. And none of this would have been possible without the absolutely amazing folks at Thomas Nelson and Nelson Books. I never could have imagined a better group of folks to work with. What started as a business relationship has ended in friendship. Who could ask for more than that?
Only 14 days left to pre-order. And trust me… if you want to get a copy, you should pre-order. Seriously. Pre-order. You’ll know why in just a few days. It’s exciting. I promise.
Venus Brooks
Very easy and spicy good.
So glad you enjoyed it, Venus!
Angela Maples
This was so easy to throw together and it was good! Thank you for another keeper!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for trying the recipe and letting me know—it means a lot!
Victor R
So I made this recipe exactly as described except I added a bay leaf after the rice. This was SPECTACULAR!!! I admit I added 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and that would be too much for most people. (Way too spicy for kids) but I loved it. I would suggest 1.5Tbl to start.
Please make this, it was easy and fun and delicious.
Hey there! So glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe and that bay leaf twist sounds like a great addition! I totally get how Cajun seasoning can pack a punch—1.5 tablespoons is a smart starting point for those who might be more sensitive to spice. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Rick
looks good
Thelma Ordonez
Can I use regular rice like long grain?
You can. The cook time will be longer and you’ll probably need about an additional .5 to 1 cup of broth.
Jerry Briggs
Great Recipe! One trick that I do with the sausage is to split it and cook it on the grill before slicing it up and putting in the pot. Really adds flavor to it.
So smart! That sounds amazing!
Tammy
This was a quick and easy dinner. There’s only two of us, so I halved the recipe and it was perfect. We will definitely have it again!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Liberty
Delicious, and fast to make, I had all the ingredients on hand including spices to make the creole seasoning. This recipe is a keeper!!
Thank you so much! SO glad you enjoyed it!
Eather Bertocci
Love this recipe. so delicious. thank you for sharing it.
Thanks! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Anna
Hands down the best red beans and rice recipe we’ve tried! I’ve made this several times over the last 2 years or so and it always turns out fantastic. My mother-in-law was skeptical because it didn’t use dried beans, but she agreed that it was wonderful!
Look at you impressing the MIL! So glad y’all have enjoyed it!
Lisa
I’m the main cook for our extended family since I’ve retired from teaching. This incredibly easy and delicious recipe has been part of the rotation for three years at the request of our grandchildren. I love that it uses basic pantry staples, especially last year when our grocery store shelves were often sparse. Thanks so much for all of your practical but tasty recipes.
You are so sweet! I’m so glad I’ve been able to help out!
Joy B Patty
Been cooking this for years. Love it!
So glad to hear it!
Mary
Do you know off hand about how many servings this recipe will serve?
Of course it all depends on the serving size – you could probably feed 4 to 5 people.
Dianne
This is our got to recipe!! We love it.
There’s no higher compliment in my book! So glad you’ve enjoy this one!!
Anitra
This is my go- to recipe at all times for Red Beans and Rice! Comes out perfect EVERY time, having people think I actually know what I’m doing in the kitchen lol! Thanks so much
I just love comments like this! SO happy to hear you’ve gotten some great use out of this one!
Katherine Dietz
I have a great recipe for Creole Seasoning:
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp sweet or smoked paprika
1 and 1/2 tsp thyme leaves crushed
1 tsp oregano crushed
1 tsp basil crushed
1 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tspecial pepper
Combine in small bowl, put leftovers in a jar.
This is very good.
Katherine
Sounds great! Thanks for sharing!!
Sally A McDonald
I am disappointed a political ad is on the print version of your recipe.
Sally A McDonald
I did not print the recipe, as I usually do, because it included a political ad. You probably don’t have any control of that. But I think you should know about it. I have a personal policy to delete all political ads, but this one would not allow me to do that. Recipe looks good and I’m making it this evening.
Hey Sally! Sorry about that. You are correct, I don’t have much control over the individual ads that show on the site, but will get with my team about that.
Charles E Wallling
Just found your receipe for One Pot Red Beans and Rice. I was wondering what your guess would as to how servings, plus or minus, are in this receipe
Vicki
This is a delicious meal! Can I use only one can of beans instead? It seemed like there was way to much bean and getting my husband to eat beans is like pulling teeth.
Sure! That shouldn’t be a problem. Glad y’all enjoyed it!
Tori
Thank you so much for this recipe- it was delicious, and all the kids loved it (even the 1 year old!).
So glad everyone enjoyed it!!
Asia
I’ve made this recipe at least once a week for the past year, it’s my 3 year olds favorite meal and an all around family fave! I pack it with extra veggies (matchstick carrots and riced cauliflower) and use instant brown rice and turkey Polska kielbasa or ground turkey to try and make it a little healthier sometimes! Thank you for providing an easy one pot yummy meal!
So glad you’ve gotten some GREAT use out of this one!!
Jackie
Stacey, I’ve always wanted to try some Cajun style recipes & this was a really good one❗️Deeeeelish❗️Made exactly as you directed using Andouii sausage (I used 2 packs – hubby likes it meaty). Gotta admit it was pretty spicey (hot). But sooooooo good. I was leery using the Creole spice but reading the label showed no “weird” spices so I used 2 tsp.
I also prefer long grain rice so cooked it separate & added @ the end. Made a huge pot which we ate for days & hubby took a dish to work.
Thank you so much Stacey…..love your site. Will try more. Too bad you don’t allow us to upload pics – I took one❗️
I’m So glad y’all enjoyed it, Jackie! It’s definitely one of my favs!! And you be sure to upload your picture on my Facebook page!!!
Jackie Clonan
K I will do that‼️
Melissa Gillespie
Just got finished eating this, and it’s a keeper! My husband and I love it, and I also love how easy it was to make! Thank you for this recipe, they never disappoint!
Love hearing that!! Thanks, Melissa!
Treena
I came across this recipe in Pinterest awhile ago but didn’t have any Creole seasoning. I bought some on my next trip the grocery store but didn’t make until tonight. OMG, it was delicious! It ended up being a two pan dish, I cooked the sausage and vegetables in one pan then put everything into my rice cooker. Turned out perfect! Thanks much for the great recipe…it’s a keeper. BTW, I used 2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning…had a little bite but not spicy.
Perfect! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Treena!!
Dede
How do you know how much creole seasoning to use? I’m making this tonight!!
It really depends on the salt content of your seasoning and how much heat you like. I’d just add little by little until you get it where it tastes good to you.
Pam
Thanks so much for yet another great recipe, Stacey! Your delicious and easy recipe is now my “go to” Red Beans and Rice and I make it regularly!
Ha! You are so welcome!! I’m just tickled you’ve found another you enjoy!!
Steph
Is the measurement of the rice cooked or uncooked rice?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked instant rice. Enjoy! 🙂
April
Just stopped by to give you some credit…
This is one of my family’s all-time favorites! We make it on weeknights, I take it to pot-lucks, we take it to friends when they have a new baby…our GO TO recipe. THANK YOU!
So wonderful to hear! So glad you’ve gotten so much milage out of this one, April!
Lovefam6
I made this last night, but messed up. I guessed on 1 tsp of cajun seasoning, but added it with the broth. It wasn’t very flavorful. I sprinkled more on the top after it was done, and stirred it in, but still not what I was expecting. We did like it though, but now I’m still worried about how much seasoning to add when I put it in at the proper time. Did bringing the seasoning to a boil take away the flavor? I used regular smoked sausage as I have lil ones eating, and the smoke sausage was definitely the overpowering flavor in each bite.
My 19 mo old daughter LOVED the rice and beans, not so much the sausage though.
Well, it honestly probably has more to do with the type of seasoning you used. Some have a high salt content, other’s don’t. I say add it until it tastes good to you. 🙂
Trish
I made this and it was so yummy! I used Zatarains Jumbalaya rice that comes with great Creole seasoning and that made this dish even better!
What a GREAT idea! So glad you enjoyed it!!
LaQuita
Prepared this dish today and it tastes great. Since I didn’t have canned beans, I soaked dry red beans last night to prepare for cooking today. I cooked them in the chicken broth and added a cup of water just until tender. This was the only modification that was made and it turned out perfectly. My husband loves red beans and rice and this recipe is definitely a keeper. Thanks so much for sharing.
So glad you enjoyed them!!
Joy Patty
Been using this recipe for years. Love it! So tasty, easy, and fast!
Yes it is!
Kim H
This dish has quickly become a favorite in our house! It’s SO good. Being a new mom, I struggle to find recipes that are easy, don’t leave me with a ton of dishes and most of all delicious! This recipe exceeded my expectations!!! I now make this every other week…my husband absolutely loves it. Looking forward to trying some of your other recipes. 🙂
I love hearing that, Kim! So glad one of my favorites has become one of your family’s favorites too!
Kelly
Great tasty meal, thank you! I used normal rice as instant rice cost a lot here. I pre cooked it and added it towards the end. And I used a regular basic pot. It all worked very well, my husband and I really enjoyed this meal!
Wonderful, Kelly! So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Shene Underwood
I am going to a pot luck dinner and wanted to make red beans and rice but there is no way to keep the rice hot and not sticking together by the time I get there (1hr and 50 minute drive) now I know that I can do it your way. Thanks, problem solved.
Yes! This should work perfectly for you! Hope y’all enjoy!
Samantha
Hi Stacey. I tried this for dinner a few days ago and it was delicious. My kind of meal – quick, easy and only one pot! I’ll definitely be making this again. Thanks!
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!
Anne Noyes
Is this weight watchers friendly?
I need the nutritional facts
Hi Anne! Unfortunately, that’s not something I calculate.
Maizee
How could i substitute uncle bens rice instead of instant rice would I have to add more water?? How much??
Are you talking about Uncle Ben’s parboiled rice?
Lan
Made this for dinner last night. We eat an almost paleo diet, I’m gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, corn-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and to top it off: allergic to shellfish. It’s always awesome to find good recipes that are quick and easy to make and tasty to boot, and I was quite excited to find this one. It came together in under 40 minutes and is absolutely delicious
I made a couple of changes due to ingredients on hand but I loved the simplicity of it and how fast it came together. I used black beans because for some unknown reason I had 10 cans of black beans but not one of red. Then I used brown rice that I precooked 1:1 while sautéing the veggies, and when added to the pot it finished cooking in the broth. I also added 2 bay leaves.
So easy and so fast will for sure make it again. Off to scour the site for more recipes to try. Thanks
Hope you find lots more you enjoy!!
Karen
Hi Stacey
Saw this on Pinterest. Love red beans and rice but not happy with what I’ve tried. I improvise a lot when I cook, so I took the liberty of changing this a bit to my husband’s taste. Had Jalapeno beef sausage in the freezer so used that. Added crushed red pepper as well – not much. Added smoked paprika and Tony Chacere creole seasoning. I also don’t cook with minute rice so the closest I had was a box of Yellow Rice and some Arborio pasta. Both equaled the 2 cups of rice. I only had one can of chicken broth so added more water. The yellow rice had seasoning it so didn’t feel I needed more spices.
This was fantastic. I know your original recipe would have been great too, but we both like spicy and my husband likes extra spicy. Thanks so much for posting this. A keeper for sure and I am passing along to my kids who don’t like too spicy!! Mahalo! from Texas.
Hi Karen! I’m so glad you all enjoyed it!! Love that you made it your own!
Sia
Love this recipe 🙂 love from the Netherlands!
SO glad you enjoy it!!!
Carol
I just found this recipe, and it was great! I only had one can of kidney beans so I added a can of black beans as well. I also cooked the rice separately (my boys have to mix it themselves) so left out the chicken broth. Thanks for sharing; even my child who doesn’t like smoked sausage gobbled it down!
So glad y’all enjoyed it!!
Samantha
Do you know the calorie break down for this and serving size?
I just don’t keep up with that stuff. There are some great sites out that where you can put in the ingredients and it will figure it out for you. Good luck!
Winter
Found via pinterest. Exactly what I needed today for a quick meal. Hot and ready for my hubby when he walks in today. I just threw in some seasonings I had on hand ( cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and some taco seasoning mix.) I think it turned out great. Fastest and tastiest recipe for this dish that I’ve tried. Thanks for sharing.
I sure hope you and your hubby enjoyed it!
Jenina Slicer
This is definitely one of my go to meals during the week when my kids have their extracurricular activities. I also serve cornbread on the side that my daughter crumbles and adds it. It’s actually good that way as well! Thanks for sharing! Very big fan of your recipes and your book!
Thanks so much!!! So glad it’s turned into a regular at your house!
Bear Voges
I’m going to try this in the crock pot. I work nights and wonder if I can just put all of it in the crockpot with a bit of extra liquid, go to sleep and have something good to take to work when I wake up 🙂
Let me know how it turns out!
Donna
Here’s a crazy question, but I have NO IDEA what Creole Seasoning is! Help!
It’s a spice blend that usually include salt. Here’s what I use: https://www.mccormick.com/Zatarains/Products/Spices-and-Seasonings/Spices-and-Extracts/Creole-Seasoning
Paula
You can make your own creole blend; the following link takes you to one that Emeril Lagasse has:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/emerils-essence-creole-seasoning-recipe2.html
Thanks, Paula!
Michelle
Found this recipe on Pinterest, and OMG…. the smell in my house smells fabulous. I am really not a fan of red beans and rice, but the picture looked wonderful. I can’t wait to taste it!!
I hope it tasted as good as it smelled!
Kara
Making this now! Can’t wait! Thanks 🙂
I sure hope you enjoyed it!!
Sherry
Oh my! I searched Pinterest for Red Beans and Sausage and yours looked the best, so I made it tonight. IT.WAS.AMAZING! And SO easy!! Now, I’m off to see what other goodies I can find here on Southern Bite!
Fantastic, Sherry! I’m just tickled y’all enjoyed it! I hope you’ll find lots more you enjoy just as well!
Deb
I made this tonight and we all loved it! My dad lives with us and can not eat anything spicy so I did not use the creole seasoning. Hubby wanted a little spicy-ness so we added a bit of rotel to it. It is definitely a keeper recipe! Thanks so much. P.S. I used regular white rice instead of instant– it took a bit more moisture but turned out GREAT.
Steve
I’m at a complete loss on how much creole seasoning to use. Can you suggest a starting amount?
Thanks!
Start with 1/2 teaspoon and increase from there. Good luck!
Luci
Ha Ha, had no idea on amt of creole, so started with 1/2 TABLESPOON and actually added a little more.
Jordan
This looks SO GOOD! Just wanted to let you know I included it in my round-up of one pot recipes. I’d also love if you submitted this recipe in our contest to win a Swiss Diamond cookware set! https://ow.ly/AOCzs
Thanks again for the great recipe. 🙂
Thanks, Jodan! Done!
Virginia Moore
This sounds delicious – except for one thing. You are really using instant rice in this? Really? I think of it as imitation rice and the real thing does not take long to cook, so why go for the tasteless stuff? I’ll try to substitute Uncle Ben’s for the instant stuff.
Yep! Feel free to make whatever substitution you like, but this is the way I do it. Instant rice is simply regular cooked rice that has been cooked and dehydrated.
Brett Baker
YUMMO! I just made this in no time, and it’s cozy and spicy and yummy! I used Penzey’s “Cajun” spice and smoked andouille chicken sausage. Perfect one-pot dish for a rainy night in VA.
SO glad you enjoyed it, Brett!!
Amy
This was delicious! It was so easy! I will be making it again! I improvised on the creole seasoning. Do you have a recipe for creole seasoning?
So glad you liked it! No, I just buy it at the grocery store.
Rachael Shumate
I can’t even imagine using instant rice! Having lived in Japan and eating “real” rice every day, I want you to know there is a definite difference in both taste and texture. I have a rice cooker, so would cook real rice and add it to everything else. Great inexpensive rice cookers at Amazon.com. Thanks, Stacey, from a Southern (Texas) gal!
Candace
I was thinking the same thing!
Signed,
Another Former Japan Dweller ????
Bkhuna
I lived in Japan for 11 years and my neighbors bought us a rice cooker when they found out we didn’t have one.
I finally gave in and bought some converted rice. It’s not as bad as you might think.
Roxanne
I love your cook book! I havent tried anything yet but tonite im going to try the cheesy rice and corn! I will also be trying the one pot red beans and rice soon! If yall dont have Stacys cookbook yet, run, and i mean really run, and get it!!
Thanks, Roxanne! Enjoy!
Corina
It was very tasty, I added a tiny bit of tomato sauce to mine.
Sounds like a perfect addition! Glad you enjoyed it!
Michelle W.
I found this recipe tonight while Googling “one pot red beans and rice”. I have toddlers and look for recipes that are easy to make, use simple/on-hand ingredients and taste fantastic. I’m happy to report this was all three. It was so successful I’m buying your cook book (a rarity in these days of unlimited food blogs). I would love to rave more but my little ones are screaming for seconds.
Michelle, that just thrills me to no end! I’m so glad you found the recipe and that it turned out so great for you! Thanks too for getting the book! I sure do appreciate the support! Anytime you want to rave, you just let me know. 🙂
sandi
Is this meal freezer friendly? If so, cooked or uncooked?
Hi Sandi,
I’ve not tried freezing it, but I would imagine it would be best to freeze after cooking.
Lilli
I made this for supper today, and it’s amazing! It’s the first of your recipes I’ve tried since I’m new to your blog thanks to Pinterest, and I’m so very glad to have found you!
Well, thank you, Mr. Pinterest! And thank you, Lilli! I’m so glad you liked it. Welcome!
lorraine baldwin
Had this for dinner tonight and was absolutely delicious!!. Will be making this again and thank you for sharing such wonderful recipes.!!!
Wonderful, Lorraine! I’m so glad you liked it so much!! Thanks for letting me know!
Sandi
Do u have to use a Dutch oven? Or can I just use a large pot? Want to make this, but don’t own a Dutch oven.
Nope, you can do it in any large pot or skillet that you have. 🙂
Eleanor
I’m making this tonight for the second time in less than a week – at my husband’s request. It is so good, and so simple, and comes together in a hurry!
Wonderful! That’s the best compliment I could get! So glad y’all are enjoying the recipe.
Terri
Just found you via Facebook. This looks wonderful. It’s a rainy day here in Southern California, so I’m making it tonight! Thank you!
Lynne
This looks so yummy and easy to prepare. I’m making this tonight!
Bethany
Could you use brown rice for this? I guess you would have to just cook it longer?
Sure! You can even use instant brown rice.
Joanne
This sounds delicious! And, I am looking forward to your cookbook!
Thanks so much, Joanne!
Debbie Caraballo
mmmmm MMMM!! Delicious! Thanks Stacey!
No, thank you!
Terri-Lynn
When you say “instant rice”, are you speaking of minute rice or a rice like basmati? Just curious, as instant rice usually cooks quickly and you have allotted 12-15
to compete the cooking. I’m making this for dinner tonight and wanted to make sure I understood correctly.
Thanks very much.
I simply mean instant rice. You don’t have to cook it the entire time if you find the rice is getting too soft.