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This Easy Red Beans and Rice is the definition of a budget-friendly comfort meal. With just four simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty dinner that’s flavorful and incredibly satisfying. It’s quick, inexpensive, and perfect for nights when you want something easy and homemade.
If you love easy one pot meals like this, you’ll find 150+ more cozy, budget-friendly recipes in my new cookbook “Make It Simple.” Grab your copy or the 2-book bundle here → juliapachecorecipes.com
👉 Try it with my Spanish Rice Soup or Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli next!
This Easy Red Beans and Rice recipe uses just four ingredients – sausage, olive oil, a box of red beans and rice mix, and water. It’s a quick and filling meal that’s smoky, savory, and comes together in one pan. A perfect weeknight dinner that’s low-effort but high in flavor.
Table of Contents
- Watch how I make this recipe:
- What You’ll Need for Easy Red Beans and Rice
- Full Ingredients List
- How to Make Easy Red Beans and Rice
- Easy Red Beans and Rice Variations
- Tips and Tricks
- Recipe FAQs – Easy Red Beans and Rice
- Serving Suggestions
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- More Great Easy Dinners
- Easy Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Watch how I make this recipe:
Why you’ll love this recipe…
This is one of those meals that’s impossible to mess up. You brown the sausage, stir in the mix, add water, and let it simmer – that’s it. It’s deeply flavorful, surprisingly filling, and great for feeding the family on a budget. Want to know the best part? It tastes even better the next day.
⏰ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Budget-friendly dinners or meal prep
🛒 Key Ingredients: Sausage, red beans and rice mix, olive oil
🍽️ Servings: 4
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: 4 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer
👉 If you love quick stovetop dinners, try my Ramen Noodle Stir Fry or Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta.
Made With Love,
This recipe is part of my 8 Catastrophic Budget Dinners in a Bag series – all made from shelf-stable, pantry-friendly ingredients
What You’ll Need for Easy Red Beans and Rice
Here’s what makes this recipe so fast and flavorful:
- Kielbasa Sausage: Adds smoky richness and protein.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the sausage and bring out flavor.
- Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix: The classic shortcut that makes this meal easy.
👉 For another cozy meal made with pantry staples, try my Lentil Stew.
Full Ingredients List
- 14 oz Kielbasa sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz box Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice mix
- 3 cups water
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts – perfect for saving or printing for later.
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Make It Simple – My NEWEST Cookbook Is Available Now
How to Make Easy Red Beans and Rice
Step 1: Slice the sausage lengthwise, then cut into half moons.
Step 2: To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sausage and cook 3 minutes per side until golden.
Step 3: Pour in the water and rice mix. Scrape the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan and stir well.
Step 4: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and let sit for 2–4 minutes before serving.
🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!
Easy Red Beans and Rice Variations
- Add diced bell peppers or onions for more flavor.
- Use turkey sausage or Andouille sausage for a lighter or spicier version.
- Top with shredded cheese or hot sauce for a little kick.
- Serve over extra rice to stretch it even further.
👉 Try my 8 Can Chicken Taco Soup next for another budget-friendly dump-and-go dinner.
My Pro TipS
Tips and Tricks
- Sear the sausage well before adding water – it deepens the flavor.
- Stir a few times while simmering so the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Add a splash of water if it gets too thick near the end of cooking.
Recipe FAQs – Easy Red Beans and Rice
Yes, just add a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke to keep that flavor.
Of course! Any red beans and rice or jambalaya-style mix will work.
Yes, it’s one of those meals that’s even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with cornbread, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a complete meal.
👉 I think you will love my Spanish Rice Soup!
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen.
👉 For another freezer-friendly meal, try my Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli.
More Great Easy Dinners
Love fast, easy dinners like this? You’ll find 150+ more dump-and-go recipes in my cookbook “Make It Simple.” Grab your copy or the full cookbook bundle here → https://www.juliapachecorecipes.com/
Easy Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 14 oz Kielbasa sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz box Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice mix
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Slice the sausage lengthwise, then cut into half moons.
- To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sausage and cook 3 minutes per side until golden.
- Pour in the water and rice mix. Scrape the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan and stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
- Turn off the heat and let sit for 2–4 minutes before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is so fantastic – very versatile and inexpensive. Thank you!
I tried to find “Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice” but was unable to locate it locally … any suggestions on how to make a replacement for this?