Red Bean Jambalaya Recipe

Oh boy, have you ever had one of those meals that just warms your soul? That’s exactly what this red bean jambalaya does. It’s cozy, a little spicy, and packed with bold, deep flavors.

I’ve made this dish so many times, and it never gets old. The mix of tender red beans, smoky sausage, and fluffy rice? Pure magic. And the best part? It all comes together in one big pot.

If you love comfort food with a kick, this one’s for you. It’s rich, filling, and super easy to make. Plus, it tastes even better the next day—hello, leftovers!

Let’s grab our ingredients and get cooking. I promise, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Cajun Flavor – A blend of smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and aromatics infuses this dish with classic Louisiana taste.
• Easy One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks together in a single pot, making cleanup simple.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
• Customizable & Versatile – Swap proteins, adjust the spice level, or add extra veggies to make it your own.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About an hour

Servings

• Serves: 6-8 people

Difficulty Level

• Beginner-Friendly – Easy enough for home cooks of all skill levels.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before starting, gather these essential tools for a smooth cooking process:

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot – Ensures even cooking and helps develop deep flavors.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For chopping vegetables and slicing sausage.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Ideal for stirring and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate seasoning and liquid measurements.
• Ladle – Helps with serving.

Ingredients for Red Bean Jambalaya

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:

• Olive Oil – Adds richness and prevents sticking.
• Smoked Sausage – Andouille sausage is ideal, but any smoked sausage works.
• Celery – Provides a slightly bitter, fresh contrast to the spices.
• Green Bell Pepper – Adds a mild sweetness and color.
• Yellow Onion – A key aromatic that builds flavor.
• Garlic – Enhances the depth of the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning – A bold, spicy blend that defines the dish.
• Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky depth.
• Dried Oregano – Gives a touch of earthiness.
• Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with flavor as it cooks.
• Red Beans – Canned beans keep this recipe easy and convenient.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Adds acidity and richness.
• White Rice – Soaks up all the flavors while keeping the dish hearty.
• Green Onion – For a fresh, slightly sharp finishing touch.
• Hot Sauce – Crystal hot sauce is preferred for a true Louisiana kick.

How to Make Red Bean Jambalaya – Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps to create a rich, flavorful Red Bean Jambalaya.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage

1. Heat the Oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Brown the Sausage: Add 12 oz. smoked sausage (cubed) and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1 diced yellow onion. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
4. Add the Garlic: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
2. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in 1 quart of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—this is where a lot of flavor develops!
3. Add Tomatoes & Beans: Stir in 2 (15 oz) cans of drained red beans and 1 (15 oz) can of crushed tomatoes. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Add the Rice: Stir in 1 ½ cups of white rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
2. Return the Sausage: Add the cooked smoked sausage back into the pot and mix well.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Check the Rice: Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff & Garnish: Use a fork to fluff the jambalaya, then sprinkle 1 cup of sliced green onions over the top.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if needed.
4. Serve with Hot Sauce: Offer a bottle of Crystal hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.

How to Serve Red Bean Jambalaya

This hearty, flavorful dish can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:

Best Ways to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve hot, straight from the pot, with an extra sprinkle of green onions and a side of cornbread.
• With Crusty Bread: A warm slice of French bread or a biscuit pairs well with the smoky, spicy flavors.
• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the jambalaya.
• With Extra Hot Sauce: Let each person customize the spice level by adding their preferred amount of hot sauce.

Recipe Variations & Customization Options

This Red Bean Jambalaya recipe is versatile! Here are some easy swaps and additions to make it your own:

Protein Options

• Use Chicken: Replace smoked sausage with diced chicken thighs for a leaner option.
• Try Shrimp: Stir in cooked shrimp during the last 5 minutes for a seafood twist.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra beans or mushrooms for heartiness.

Ingredient Swaps

• Different Beans: Instead of red beans, try kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
• Brown Rice Option: Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase the cooking time to about 40 minutes.

Spice Adjustments

• More Heat: Add diced jalapeños or an extra teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
• Less Heat: Use a mild sausage and reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fiber	8g
Sugar	5g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	900mg
Potassium	750mg
Vitamin A	15% DV
Vitamin C	35% DV
Calcium	8% DV
Iron	20% DV

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Red Bean Jambalaya FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! Soak 1½ cups of dried red beans overnight, then simmer them separately until tender before adding them to the jambalaya.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Increase the Cajun seasoning or add diced jalapeños while sautéing the veggies.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Red Bean Jambalaya is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal that brings the essence of Louisiana cuisine to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it out, and let us know how it turned out!