We all need a little comfort food these days, don't we? When I'm in the mood for some serious home cooking, one of my go-to recipes is Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice. Made with savory smoked sausage, sweet bell peppers, and creamy red beans simmered in a savory broth it's sure to become your family's favorite meal.
If you've never made Red Beans and Rice before, you're in for a treat! It's an easy meal that packs a lot of flavor—it's just the thing you need when you're looking for something delicious and comforting. Plus, with minimal prep time and fewer ingredients than some other beans-and-rice creations, this version requires only one cooking tool—a Dutch oven! Which makes it easier than ever to make this classic Southern dish.
So pull out that Dutch oven and get ready to make this delicious meal. Let's get cooking!
What Is Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice?
Welcome to the ultimate comfort food—Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice! This dish is a classic Louisiana Creole/Cajun creation, made with smoked sausage, bell pepper, onions, garlic, and of course– red beans. The end result is a hearty, flavorful entree that can be served on its own or with any number of sides.
So why use a Dutch oven for this recipe instead of just tossing everything into a pot? A Dutch oven allows for more even cooking temperatures and helps to lock in moisture throughout the cooking process. Plus, it looks great when presented as a finished dish!
No matter what you’re in the mood for—a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive weekend dinner—Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice is sure to hit the spot. Now gather your ingredients and get ready to cook!
Gather the Ingredients for This Recipe
Are you ready to bring together some wholesome and delicious ingredients? You'll need the following items to make this Dutch oven red beans and rice recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of diced onions
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups of cooked red beans
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start prepping the vegetables chop the onion, mince the garlic and measure out all the herbs and spices before you get started. The red beans will provide a savory base for this dish and the other flavors will balance it perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice
Ready to get cooking? This Dutch oven red beans and rice recipe is simple enough for any home chef but packed with flavor that your whole family can enjoy.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you get started make sure all of your ingredients are prepped and ready to go you'll need:
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 2 cups of long grain white rice
- 3 red bean cans (drained and rinsed)
- 6 cups of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a big Dutch oven bar stools kitchen medium heat. Stir in the garlic and the onions until fragrant. Cook until fragrant about 30 seconds, with the oregano, thyme, chili powder, salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Red Beans
Add in the rice and stir it into the onion mixture until it's evenly coated pour in the red
Tips for Making the Most Delicious Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice
Once the vegetables are cooked, it's time to add the beans and liquid ingredients. But just before that, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:
Don’t Skip the Soaking
Take some time to soak your dry beans overnight in plenty of water. Trust us, this will help make for much creamier beans!
The Lesser-Known Step of Precooking
This is an extra step you can take before adding your beans to the pot that helps guarantee a delicious result—a 20-minute pre-cooking. That's right—bring a separate pot filled with a mixture of 1 cup of vegetables and 4 cups of water to a boil, add 4 cups of soaked beans, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. It’s an extra step that takes your recipe to the next level.
Don’t Rush the Rice
Before adding it all into the Dutch oven, we recommend that you cook your rice separately according to package instructions. It’s best not rush this step—cooking rice can be tricky because the amount of liquid has to be spot on or else you could end up with something mushy or hard as wood.
Finally, once everything is ready per directions, add them all in your Dutch oven and push down any pieces of meat or sausage that may have floated up towards the top so they submerge fully into the red bean mixture.
How to Serve Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice
Whether you're serving yourself, family or friends, this Dutch oven red beans and rice recipe is delicious and easily customizable. Topping your finished dish off with some extra toppings can really take it to the next level. Here are some of our favorites:
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy element and a slight tangy flavor.
- Cheese: Add cheese for an extra savory touch, such as cheddar cheese or feta crumbles.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro is a great way to bring a fresh, herbal flavor to the dish.
- Green Onions: For a milder oniony flavor, top your dish with thinly sliced green onions.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like their food with a kick, add some hot sauce for an extra fiery flavor!
- Jalapenos: If you’d like something spicy but don’t want to use hot sauce, try topping your Dutch oven red beans and rice with sliced jalapenos or pickled jalapenos!
Variations of the Recipe With Different Flavors
Ready for a twist in your Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice? Here are some tasty variations you can experiment with:
Add A Spice Kick
Adding some spice to your Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice is an easy way to make it extra flavorful. Try adding a teaspoon of cumin, paprika, oregano, or chili powder. You can also add jalapeños or any other type of pepper you like.
Make It Vegetarian (or Vegan)
If you want to make your Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice vegan friendly, simply leave out the sausage and replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock. To add even more flavor, try adding mushrooms or eggplant – they’ll give it a tasty meaty texture!
Change up the Protein
If you don’t like sausage, there are plenty of other proteins you can add in their place. Shrimp, chicken or beef all work great! Try adding some bacon for even more flavor.
No matter what variation you try, remember that this is your recipe so feel free to get creative! With a few simple changes, you can turn this classic dish into something unique and delicious!
Conclusion
Red beans and rice is a traditional southern comfort food that is amazingly easy to make. With a Dutch oven you can even make it a one-pot meal. With some pre-planning and a few simple ingredients you can have an excellent and flavorful dinner on the table with minimal effort.
Moreover, making your own version of red beans and rice at home can provide you with an opportunity to make a meal that is tailored to your own preferences it can be as spicy or as mild as you want it to be and can be adjusted to your dietary requirements.
So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting homemade meal, look no further than Dutch oven red beans and rice. It’s sure to become a favorite!
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