Description
Spice up your dinner routine with this comforting and bold Cajun Red Beans and Rice recipe. It’s a wholesome, one-pot meal that’s brimming with smoky flavor, tender red beans, and savory vegetables all simmered to perfection. Served over fluffy white rice, this classic Southern dish makes the perfect option for a cozy family dinner or an easy meal prep idea. Whether you’re searching for a quick weeknight meal, easy dinner, or hearty vegan-friendly food ideas, this flavorful recipe delivers every time. Great for anyone needing simple dinner ideas or high-protein vegetarian meals!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups cooked red beans (or two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
2 cups vegetable broth
3 cups cooked white rice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
3. Add the red beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
4. Lightly mash some of the beans with a spoon to thicken the stew, leaving most whole for texture.
5. Remove the bay leaf and serve over warm cooked rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, sauté the veggies in a little vegan butter or add a splash of liquid smoke.
If using dried beans, soak overnight and boil until tender before using in the recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy recipe, quick dinner, vegan beans and rice, comfort food, food ideas, southern recipe, meal prep, high protein vegan