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Red Beans Rice Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

Red Beans Rice Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

A flavorful and easy one-pan meal combining smoked sausage, red beans, rice, and savory Cajun spices baked to perfection in a single skillet. Perfect for a hearty and comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Proteins & Legumes

  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids & Grains

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish & Extras

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Add olive oil and heat until it starts to shimmer.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add Garlic and Sausage: Stir in minced garlic and sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and sausage is lightly browned.
  4. Spice it Up: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the mixture. Stir well to coat the sausage and vegetables with spices and cook for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to bloom.
  5. Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the rinsed and drained red kidney beans and the undrained diced tomatoes, mixing them evenly into the skillet.
  6. Pour in Broth: Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
  7. Incorporate Rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, making sure it is well distributed throughout the skillet.
  8. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference and mix well.
  9. Bake: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer it to the preheated oven.
  10. Bake Until Rice is Tender: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking at 30 minutes to ensure the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Add a little more chicken broth if the rice is not fully cooked.
  11. Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve hot directly from the skillet. Offer hot sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe works best with a heavy oven-safe skillet, like cast iron, for even cooking.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper for desired heat level or omit if you prefer milder flavors.
  • If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the smoked sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Adding fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note.

Nutrition

Keywords: red beans and rice, one-pan meal, Cajun recipe, smoked sausage skillet, easy dinner, kidney beans recipe

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/red-beans-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-recipe/