For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the amount of chipotle chile powder to your preference. Serve over cooked rice with a side of cornbread or crusty bread.
A hearty and soulful dish, these Cajun Red Beans are simmered to creamy perfection with smoky sausage and aromatic spices. Serve over fluffy rice for a comforting and deeply flavorful meal.
Soak the Beans: Place the pinto beans in a large container and cover with several inches of cool water. Soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly. (Soaking time: 4+ hours)
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat bacon grease in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add salt pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned (about 1 minute). Add onion, celery, bell pepper, black pepper, and chipotle powder; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened (about 4 minutes).
Build the Flavor: Stir in smoked sausage, bay leaves, parsley, and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until sausage is lightly browned (about 4 minutes). Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Combine and Simmer: Stir in the drained and rinsed beans. Add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently until beans are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed to keep the beans submerged (about 2-2.5 hours).
Mash and Finish: Once the beans are tender, mash about 1/4 of the beans against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon to thicken the mixture. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until the beans reach your desired consistency (about 15-20 minutes). Remove bay leaves before serving.
For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the amount of chipotle chile powder to your preference. Serve over cooked rice with a side of cornbread or crusty bread.
Lempi Ortizrunolfsdottir
Jun 29, 2025Easy to make and absolutely delicious. The best red beans I've ever had."
Buford Wiegand
Jun 27, 2025This is my go-to recipe for red beans now. Thank you for sharing!
Violet Hamillullrich
Jun 24, 2025I've made this recipe several times now, and it's always a hit. The instructions are easy to follow, and the results are delicious.
Destini Dickistoltenberg
Jun 17, 2025These beans are even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Perfect for meal prepping.
Dudley Herman
Jun 13, 2025I used andouille sausage instead of smoked sausage, and it worked great. Added a nice kick!
Hertha Emmerich
Jun 10, 2025The bacon grease and salt pork add such a wonderful depth of flavor to these beans. I wouldn't skip them!
Cedrick Bins
Jun 8, 2025So yummy! My boyfriend loved it!
Kelvin Hackett
Jun 6, 2025This recipe is amazing! The beans are so creamy and flavorful. My family devoured them.
Ed Pfeffer
May 29, 2025I added a ham hock to the pot while the beans simmered, and it took the flavor to the next level. Highly recommend!