Flavor-Packed Red Beans and Rice

Enjoy the heartiness of Flavor-Packed Red Beans and Rice, a Southern-inspired dish that combines tender red beans and seasoned ground beef with vibrant bell peppers, garlic, and onion mixed directly into the rice. Perfect for intimate family dinners or fulfilling weeknight meals, this recipe offers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
ingredients
- 1 cup dry red beans, soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
steps
- 1.
Drain and rinse the soaked red beans.
- 2.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- 3.
Add diced onion and green bell pepper; sauté until softened.
- 4.
Stir in minced garlic and ground beef; cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- 5.
Add cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf; mix well.
- 6.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the red beans; bring to a boil.
- 7.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until beans are tender.
- 8.
Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 9.
In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil; add rice and sautéed vegetables, then cover and cook according to package instructions until fluffy.
- 10.
Serve the hearty red beans over the seasoned rice, garnished with chopped green onions.