Red Beans and Rice

Red Beans and Rice is a medium Cajun/Creole recipe that serves 6. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by OneStopChop on YouTube.

Prep: 8 hrs 20 min | Cook: 4 hrs 55 min | Total: 13 hrs 15 min

Cost: $27.93 total, $4.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Dried Red Kidney Beans (soaked overnight in plenty of water, then drained)
  • 1 pound Andouille Sausage (sliced into 1‑inch rounds)
  • 1 pound Smoked Turkey Necks (trim excess fat)
  • 1 pound Smoked Turkey Wings
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 Yellow Onion (medium, diced)
  • 2 Celery Stalks (diced)
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium, enough to cover meat and veggies)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 2 cups White Rice (uncooked, rinsed)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Beans

    Rinse 1 lb dried red kidney beans, place them in a large bowl, cover with several inches of water and let soak overnight (8‑12 hours). Drain and set aside.

    Time: PT8H

  2. Prep the Aromatics & Sausage

    Dice the bell pepper, onion, and celery (the classic "holy trinity"). Slice the Andouille sausage into 1‑inch rounds.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Sear Sausage

    Heat 2 Tbsp vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Add the sausage slices and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  4. Brown Turkey Pieces

    In the same pot, add the smoked turkey necks and wings. Sear until they develop a deep brown crust, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Sauté the Holy Trinity

    Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Add Broth and Simmer Turkey

    Return the sausage, turkey necks, and wings to the pot. Pour in 6 cups chicken broth, ensuring the meat is fully covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook on medium‑high for 2 hours, or until the turkey is falling off the bone.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  7. Add Soaked Beans and Seasonings

    Remove the turkey pieces and set aside. Add the drained beans to the pot, then stir in Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer on medium‑low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: Medium‑low

  8. Shred the Turkey

    While the beans finish cooking, pull the meat off the turkey necks and wings; it should shred easily. Discard bones and any excess fat.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Combine Turkey and Beans

    Return the shredded turkey to the pot. Stir to distribute evenly and let the mixture cook on medium for another 30‑45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

    Time: PT40M

    Temperature: Medium

  10. Cook the Rice

    While the beans finish, rinse 2 cups white rice until water runs clear. Cook according to package directions (usually 1 cup rice to 2 cups water, simmer 15‑20 minutes). Keep warm.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Medium

  11. Serve

    Ladle generous portions of red beans over a bed of white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or hot sauce if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
10 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free (if using gluten‑free sausage), Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Allergens: Contains pork (Andouille sausage), Contains turkey

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Red Beans and Rice

Recipe by OneStopChop

A hearty, authentic New Orleans red beans and rice inspired by the best bowl from Moros in New Orleans. Slow‑cooked smoked turkey, Andouille sausage, and perfectly seasoned beans are served over fluffy white rice for a comforting, soulful meal.

MediumCajun/CreoleServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8h 25m
Prep
5h 15m
Cook
1h 38m
Cleanup
15h 18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$27.93
Total cost
$4.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking the beans overnight ensures they cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
  • Searing the sausage and turkey creates deep flavor through the Maillard reaction.
  • Simmering the beans on low heat prevents them from breaking apart.
  • Shredding the smoked turkey while still warm makes it fall off the bone easily.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and boiling broth with care to avoid burns.
  • Ensure turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) before shredding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of New Orleans‑Style Red Beans and Rice in Cajun/Creole cuisine?

A

Red beans and rice is a traditional Monday‑day dish in New Orleans, originally created by African‑American cooks who used leftover smoked meats from Sunday roasts. It became a staple because the beans could simmer all day while families attended church, providing a comforting, protein‑rich meal.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Red Beans and Rice within Louisiana cuisine?

A

In the city of New Orleans the classic version uses smoked turkey necks, Andouille sausage, and the "holy trinity" of vegetables. In rural Cajun areas, pork shoulder or ham hocks replace turkey, and sometimes rice is cooked together with the beans in a single pot.

cultural
Q

How is Red Beans and Rice traditionally served in New Orleans households?

A

It is typically ladled over a mound of fluffy white rice, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley, and accompanied by hot sauce, pickles, and crusty French bread. It is often enjoyed as a family dinner or a casual lunch.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Red Beans and Rice associated with in Southern culture?

A

Red beans and rice is a comfort food for everyday meals, but it is especially linked to Monday meals after Sunday brunch, Mardi Mardi celebrations, and community pot‑lucks where the dish can feed a crowd.

cultural
Q

What makes Red Beans and Rice special or unique in Cajun/Creole cuisine?

A

The dish combines the earthy richness of slow‑cooked beans with smoky, seasoned meat and the aromatic "holy trinity" vegetables, creating a layered flavor profile that epitomizes the balance of spice, smoke, and comfort found in Cajun/Creole cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for New Orleans‑Style Red Beans and Rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include dried red kidney beans, smoked turkey necks/wings, Andouille sausage, the holy trinity (bell pepper, onion, celery), Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Substitutes can be smoked pork shoulder, kielbasa, or chicken broth in place of turkey broth, and other beans like Great Northern if kidney beans are unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Cajun dishes pair well with Red Beans and Rice from the YouTube channel OneStopChop?

A

Red Beans and Rice pairs beautifully with classic Cajun sides such as Cornbread, Collard Greens, or a simple Fried Catfish, all of which are featured on OneStopChop’s channel.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Red Beans and Rice at home?

A

Common errors include not soaking the beans long enough, over‑cooking the beans so they turn mushy, and adding too much liquid early on. Also, failing to brown the meat reduces depth of flavor, and forgetting to season gradually can leave the stew bland.

technical
Q

Why does this Red Beans and Rice recipe use smoked turkey necks and wings instead of ham hocks?

A

Smoked turkey provides a lighter, slightly sweeter smoke flavor and the meat shreds easily, which keeps the dish from becoming overly fatty. Ham hocks are traditional but can make the stew too greasy for some palates.

technical
Q

Can I make Red Beans and Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the beans and shredded turkey up to two days ahead, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth. Cooked rice can be stored separately and reheated in the microwave.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel OneStopChop specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel OneStopChop specializes in straightforward, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and regional American dishes, all presented with clear visuals and practical tips.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel OneStopChop's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other Cajun cooking channels?

A

OneStopChop emphasizes minimal equipment, budget‑friendly ingredient swaps, and detailed timing cues, whereas many Cajun channels focus on elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients. This makes OneStopChop’s recipes more accessible to everyday home cooks.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Mexican Pinto Beans with Red Rice and Roasted Salsa
9

Mexican Pinto Beans with Red Rice and Roasted Salsa

A comforting, budget-friendly Mexican meal of tender pinto beans, fluffy tomato-flavored red rice, and a bright, spicy roasted tomatillo salsa. Finished with queso fresco and avocado, this dish is satisfying as a main or side.

2 hrs 15 minServes 6$11
Mexican
Mexican Pinto Beans with Red Rice and Roasted Salsa
11

Mexican Pinto Beans with Red Rice and Roasted Salsa

A comforting, budget-friendly Mexican meal of tender pinto beans, fluffy tomato-flavored red rice, and a bright, spicy roasted tomatillo salsa. Finished with queso fresco and avocado, this dish is satisfying as a main or side.

2 hrs 15 minServes 6$11
Mexican
How to Make Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
20

How to Make Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

A rich, creamy, and spicy Cajun classic made with dried red beans, smoked andouille sausage, the holy trinity of vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. Served over buttery rice, this one‑pot comfort meal feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

3 hrs 21 minServes 6$16
Cajun
The Best RED BEANS AND RICE (Easy One-Pot Comfort Food)
19

The Best RED BEANS AND RICE (Easy One-Pot Comfort Food)

A hearty Cajun comfort dish featuring slow‑simmered red beans, smoky Andouille sausage, and aromatic vegetables, served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for chilly winter evenings, this one‑pot meal delivers creamy beans, savory sausage, and a subtle kick of Cajun spices.

2 hrs 34 minServes 6$13
Cajun
Red beans and rice
18

Red beans and rice

A comforting Southern-style red beans and rice made with Mexican red beans, smoked ham hock, and a classic holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery. Soaked in salted water for extra creaminess, simmered low and slow, finished with a touch of sugar and vinegar, and served over fluffy brown rice cooked "pasta style". Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or make‑ahead meals.

10 hrs 4 minServes 6$7
Southern United States
Creamy Red Beans and Rice!
10

Creamy Red Beans and Rice!

A classic Cajun comfort dish of slow‑cooked red kidney beans simmered with smoky sausage and served over fluffy white rice. The beans are soaked overnight, then cooked low‑and‑slow in a crock‑pot until creamy, making a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week.

7 hrs 10 minServes 6$7
Cajun