Red Beans and Rice Recipe My Way (2024)

No, I am not an expert on Red Beans and Rice in the South or how to make the amazing wonderful Latin recipes.

I am an expert on spicing up red beans and rice instantly in this easy Italian style recipe version!

This is something easy to make come out perfect and a great side for meat meals.

I have seen the prepackaged ones in the store and seriously, to me they're tasteless.

I like to make beans in a slow cooker overnight, then have them in the refrigerator during the week, make some fresh rice, and viola, a great side dish for any meal in no time.

This is a tasty simple side dish you can doctor up or leave plain.

My family loves this without all the additives but you can adapt it to anything you're accustomed to.

I will give some suggestions below of additions that I like myself.

Great meals that go great with this side dish is our Slow-Cooked Smoked Beef Brisket, it's so delicious and juicy!

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Beans Are Healthy!

I love beans of all kinds.

Beans have so many health benefits.

They're full of zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and many vitamins our body needs like B1, B6, E, and K.

Low in calories with just 245 calories per cup and red beans and pinto beans some of the most nutrient-dense foods around.

Ingredients You Will Need

scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements

• red beans or pinto beans canned or dried cooked (or substitute your favorite kind)
• olive oil
• minced garlic
• cooked rice to package instructions
• chili powder
• olive oil
• cumin
• garlic powder
• dash of cayenne pepper
• oregano
• salt and pepper to taste

Cook the Beans If Using Dry

Using dry red beans or any kind of beans?

No problem, either boil them until soft to package instructions, soak overnight in a bowl or my favorite way is to add them to a slow cooker in water overnight.

Canned is the easiest since they are ready to combine with just by heating them up, I always like to rinse off all the salt first before using them.

Dry beans stay a bit firmer not mushy and when I have time I use dry beans.

Suggestion Additions

• Mushrooms
• Hot sliced peppers
• Sliced olives
• Fresh spinach
• Shredded carrots
• Minced onion
• Any kinds of beans
• Pasta instead of rice

Use Any Beans You Like

So red beans aren't your favorite?

Use any kinds of beans, lentils, peas, lima beans, pigeon peas, chickpeas, 15 beans, cannellini beans, or any white beans.

Whatever you have in the pantry is fine, the rice and spices will make this dish awesome.

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Other Favorite Recipes

Rosemary Baked Potatoes
Red cabbage Saute
Ricotta Twice Baked Potatoes
Microwaved Smashed Potatoes
Italian Crispy Roasted Potatoes
New York Salt Potatoes
Italian Potato Skins
Italian Scalloped Potatoes
Colcannon with Guinness Gravy
Zucchini Rollatini

Fast and Easy Ideas!

If you love red beans and rice or any beans with rice, try the basic recipe, add whatever you like and make a great side dish in minutes.

I love easy recipes like this and especially ones even the kids gobble up.

Perfect for potlucks, holiday side dishes, and anytime you need something quick.

You could even add cooked chicken and meats to the dish for a whole meal in itself!

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Love Beans? Try These Recipes Below

3 bean Merlot Chili
Chicken and Spinach Bean Soup
Escarole Stoup Hearty Soup
Chicken Chickpeas in Sauce over pasta
Chicken Chili Cannellini Soup
String Bean Beef Stew

Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2013. It was edited and re-published in 2020