Authentic Red Beans and Rice Recipe (New Orleans Style)
If you want to make a warm, rich, and comforting New Orleans classic meal, this red beans and rice recipe is the perfect choice. It is one of the most famous dishes in the Crescent City and a big part of Louisiana’s food culture. The dish is slow-cooked, full of flavor, and easy to make, even if you are new to cooking. At The Mardi Gras School of Cooking, this classic cajun recipe is taught in a simple and fun way, and now you can try it at home too.
Why Red Beans and Rice is a
New Orleans Favorite
Red beans and rice is more than just a meal; it is a long-time tradition in New Orleans. Many families in Louisiana cooked this dish on Mondays because it was easy, cheap, and could simmer on the stove all day while people did their laundry. Today, folks still enjoy it because the flavors are warm, smoky, and comforting. Visitors love trying authentic red beans and rice when they come to the city, and locals enjoy it all year round.
This dish also shows the mix of Cajun and Creole influences that make New Orleans food special. Slow cooking, simple ingredients, and bold seasoning all come together in a single pot.
About This Red Beans and Rice Recipe
This red beans and rice recipe follows the same style and flavor as many of the dishes taught at The Mardi Gras School of Cooking. It is made with basic ingredients, the classic “holy trinity” of vegetables, and slow-simmered beans that become creamy while cooking. You do not need special kitchen skills to make it. Anyone can follow this recipe and create a dish that tastes like it came straight from New Orleans.
It is also a flexible recipe; you can keep it mild, make it spicy, or even prepare a vegetarian version. No matter how you cook it, the dish stays warm, rich, and filling.
15 minutes
2-3 hours
6-8
Main Course
Cajun/ Creole
Red Beans and Rice Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb dry red beans (kidney beans)
- 1 tbs veg oil
- 1 lb diced andouille sausage
- 1 lg diced onion
- 3 ribs diced celery
- 1 diced green bell pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1-2 tbsp Mardi Gras Magic
- 6-8 cups chicken stock
- ½ lb pork tasso, chopped
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 handful fresh parsley
- Cooked long grain rice
These ingredients give our red beans and rice recipe its deep Louisiana flavor. Smoked sausage brings a rich, savory taste, and the vegetables add aroma and sweetness.
Red Beans and Rice Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Soak the red beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. This helps them soften and cook evenly. After soaking, drain and rinse them well.
Step 2: Cook the Andouille
Heat a little oil in a large pot. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until it becomes lightly browned. This brings out a deep, smoky flavor that is important in a classic red beans and rice recipe.
Step 3: Add the Trinity
Add the “holy trinity” of chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 8–10 minutes, until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add the garlic, Mardi Gras Magic seasoning, and parsley. Stir and cook for about 1 minute so the flavors blend well with the vegetables and sausage.
Step 5: Add the Beans
Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Mix everything together so the beans are coated in the seasonings.
Step 6: Add Stock, Tasso & Bay Leaves
Pour in enough stock to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Add the tasso and bay leaves. These ingredients give the dish a rich and smoky Louisiana taste.
Step 7: Boil, Then Simmer
Bring the pot to a boil and let it boil for about 10 minutes. After that, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 8: Cook Until Tender
Cover the pot and let the beans cook low and slow until they are completely tender. This usually takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Stir from time to time and add more stock if the mixture gets too thick.
Step 9: Make the Beans Creamy
When the beans are soft, smash some of them against the side of the pot using the back of a wooden spoon. This helps create a creamy, smooth gravy. Add fresh parsley and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the cajun red beans over a bowl of warm rice with more fresh parsley. Add a dash of hot sauce if you like heat. You can also serve it with smoked sausage or even a piece of fried chicken for a classic New Orleans-style meal.
Red Beans & Rice Recipe Card (Printable)
You can download our easy, ready-to-print red beans and rice recipe card for quick use in your kitchen. It includes all the ingredients and steps in a clean and simple format.
Red beans and Rice Recipe Variations You Can Try
Spicy Version
For people who love heat, add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use spicy andouille sausage in your red beans and rice recipe.
Vegetarian or Vegan Version
For a vegan red beans and rice recipe, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Leave out the sausage or replace with plant-based sausage, or extra vegetables. A little smoked paprika and some “liquid smoke” can help give that traditional smoky taste without meat.
What to Serve with Red Beans and Rice
This red beans and rice recipe goes well with many simple sides. Classic choices include:
- Cornbread
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Green salad
- Fried chicken or fish
These sides balance the soft and creamy beans and make the meal more filling. Many people in New Orleans also enjoy adding hot sauce on the side.
About the Mardi Gras School of Cooking
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, The Mardi Gras School of Cooking has been teaching Cajun and Creole cooking classes since 1988. It began in Chef Bond’s home kitchen in Algiers Point and grew into a full cooking school where people learn about Louisiana food through hands-on experience.
Guests wear aprons, learn basic cooking skills, and understand the history behind well-known dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and this classic red beans and rice recipe. The school also offers private events, team-building sessions, and special classes that bring people together through food and culture.
This red beans and rice recipe reflects the warm, welcoming style of the school, simple ingredients, strong flavors, and a love for sharing good food.
Join a Cooking Class and Learn More Recipes
If you want to dive deeper into Cajun and Creole cooking, join a class at The Mardi Gras School of Cooking. You can learn how to make more Louisiana dishes, meet new people, and enjoy a fun and interactive cooking experience. The school also offers sessions for small groups, large groups, and corporate events.
Cooking in New Orleans is more than following a recipe, it is about community, culture, and celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to cook red beans and rice?
It normally takes about two hours for the beans to become soft and creamy. If the beans are older or harder, they may need extra time.
Can I freeze leftover red beans and rice?
Yes. Red beans freeze very well. Store them in an airtight container for up to three months. Cook the rice fresh when reheating for best texture.
How do I thicken the bean mixture?
Mash a few beans on the side of the pot and mix them back in. Continue simmering until you reach the thickness you want.
Can I make vegetarian or vegan red beans and rice?
Absolutely, we often make vegetarian red beans and rice at home. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Leave out the sausage or replace it with extra “trinity” or even plant-based smoked sausage. Add a little smoked paprika and some “liquid smoke” to help give that traditional smoky taste without meat.