Bert's Red Beans 'n Rice

4 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 52 m Total: 1 h 2 m Beginner
4.0/5 (7)
Bert's Red Beans 'n Rice
Quick weeknight version of Louisiana red beans and rice using smoked sausage, the holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and garlic, plus creamy Blue Runner beans with Rotel tomatoes and cumin for a flavor-packed one-pot meal ready in just over an hour.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • Pam cooking spray
  • 1 lb smoked sausage or Tasso
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1 cup hot salsa or Rotel tomatoes
  • 1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 (16 oz) can blue runner creole cream style beans
  • 1 tsp cumin

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Spray a heavy skillet or Dutch oven pot with Pam cooking spray. Sauté the sausage/Tasso, onion, bell pepper and garlic until the veggies are wilted, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Add the salsa/Rotel tomatoes and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring well. Add chicken broth and water; cooking another 10-15 minutes.
  3. Then add the beans and simmer until thoroughly heated, stirring every so often, about 15-20 minutes. At this point you can add more liquid if you prefer a soupier mixture. Turn the heat off and sprinkle a teaspoon of cumin in the pot, stirring thoroughly.
  4. Serve over hot rice.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I make this spicier?

A: Absolutely! Use hot salsa instead of mild, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste, or use a spicy smoked sausage. You can also add diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.

Q: The mixture is too thick/thin. How do I adjust it?

A: For a thicker consistency, simmer longer uncovered to reduce the liquid. For a soupier version, add more chicken broth or water a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Tips and Techniques

The cumin is added at the very end with the heat off to preserve its bright, earthy flavor. Blue Runner creole cream style beans are specifically designed for quick red beans and rice - their creamy texture mimics the traditional slow-cooked version.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • smoked sausage or Tasso: andouille sausage, kielbasa, or diced ham
  • hot salsa or Rotel tomatoes: diced tomatoes with green chiles, or plain diced tomatoes plus hot sauce
  • Blue Runner creole cream style beans: regular canned red beans, mashed slightly, or kidney beans

Equipment Needed

  • heavy skillet or Dutch oven

Historical Context

Monday was traditionally wash day in South Louisiana, so red beans and rice became the classic Monday meal since it could simmer unattended all day. This quick version honors that tradition while fitting modern weeknight schedules.