If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, look no further than this Sausage, Red Beans, and Rice Casserole! This recipe combines the smoky goodness of andouille sausage with tender red beans, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, all simmered together in a single pot. It’s a comforting, Cajun-inspired meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. With a blend of spices and fresh herbs, every bite is packed with robust flavor, making it a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your ingredients, and let’s bring a taste of the South to your table!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 2 cans  (15oz) of red beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage cut into 1/4-inch slices (Regular smokies will work as well)
• ½ tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 2 celery ribs diced
• 1 small red bell pepper diced
• 1 small green bell pepper diced
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne red pepper or to taste
• 6 to 7 cups low sodium vegetable broth you can also use chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
• ¼ cup chopped fresh green onions plus more for garnish
• 1½ cups long grain brown rice or white rice

Equipment I Used

• Dutch Oven or Stockpot
• Cutting Board
• Spoon

How to Make It

Heat the Oil

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This will provide a base for browning the sausage and developing rich flavors. Note: You can also use a Stockpot for this recipe.

Cook the Sausage

Add the sliced sausages to the heated oil. Cook the sausage slices, stirring frequently, until they are browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté the Onions

To the same pot, add ½ tbsp of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced yellow onion. Cook the onion for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften and become translucent.

Cook the Celery and Bell Peppers

Add the diced celery, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot. Continue to cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. If needed, add a little more butter to prevent sticking. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 15 seconds, just until fragrant.

Sprinkle the salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, ground cayenne pepper, and a pinch of black pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices and cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add the Broth, Beans and Rice

Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these add flavor to the dish. Add the rice to the pot and stir well to ensure it is evenly distributed. Drain and rinse the red beans, then add them to the pot along with the browned andouille sausage. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Simmer the Casserole

Add the bay leaves to the pot and increase the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to blend and the rice to cook through.

Mash Some of the Beans (Optional)

After 30 minutes, if desired, remove 1 cup of beans from the pot and place them in a bowl. Use the back of a fork to mash the beans into a rough paste. Return the mashed beans to the pot and stir well to help thicken the casserole and add a creamy texture. This step is optional—I found it was a bit too much trouble to get a cup of beans out, so feel free to skip it if you prefer!

Add Fresh Herbs and Finish Cooking

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and green onions. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the herbs to blend into the casserole and the flavors to fully develop.

Serve

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Scoop the casserole into bowls, garnish with additional chopped parsley and green onions if desired, and enjoy your hearty and flavorful Sausage, Red Beans, and Rice Casserole!