Description
Looking for a bold, comforting, and filling meal that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying? This Cajun Red Beans and Rice recipe is the ultimate one-pot dish—perfect for easy dinners, weekly meal prep, or even a hearty lunch. Loaded with smoky spices, tender red beans, and aromatic vegetables, this quick dinner idea brings a taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly option, a naturally vegan meal, or Southern-style comfort food, this easy recipe hits every note. Ideal for anyone craving easy food ideas, healthy meals, or flavorful dinner ideas!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups vegetable broth
3 cups cooked red kidney beans
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
White or brown rice, cooked
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 7-10 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Mix in tomato paste and stir to coat vegetables. Add vegetable broth, bay leaves, liquid smoke, and cumin. Stir well.
4. Add kidney beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove bay leaves. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
For extra creaminess, mash a small portion of beans while simmering.
This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
Pair with cornbread or greens for a full Southern-style meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy dinner, comfort food, cajun red beans, vegan cajun food, red beans and rice