Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe is a classic Southern dish that’s full of flavor. It mixes red beans with onions, garlic, celery, and green bell peppers to create a hearty, delicious meal. The beans are seasoned with Cajun spices, herbs like oregano and thyme, and a bit of hot sauce for some extra kick. Once the beans are soft and creamy, they’re served over a bed of freshly cooked rice. It’s a simple yet tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch. It’s filling, affordable, and packed with nutrients, making it a favorite for people of all ages.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: You can find all the ingredients in your kitchen or local grocery store. There’s nothing complicated here.
2. Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you’ll have a warm and delicious meal on the table.
3. Full of Flavor: The Cajun seasoning and herbs add an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
4. Perfect Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, and brings a homemade feel to every bite.
5. Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple ingredients, making it affordable for any family.

Ingredients List

• 1 pound dried red beans – Soak them overnight for the best results.
• 1 large yellow onion – Finely chopped for flavor.
• 5 cloves garlic – Minced or chopped small.
• 1 green bell pepper – Diced into small pieces.
• 3-4 celery ribs – Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning – Adds the perfect amount of spice.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For a nice earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Brings out a warm and herby taste.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Gives a slight smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce – Optional, but great for a little kick.
• 2-3 bay leaves – To deepen the flavor while cooking.
• 4 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth – Use broth for extra flavor.
• Cooked rice – Serve the red beans over freshly cooked, fluffy white rice.

Recipe Adjustments and Substitutions

• Red Beans: While red beans are traditional in this dish, you can easily swap them with kidney beans or pinto beans. Both options will work well and provide a similar texture.
• Cajun or Creole Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun or Creole seasoning, you can create your own spice blend. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for that signature Southern kick. Adjust the cayenne to control the heat level.
• Vegetable Broth: While vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian, feel free to use chicken broth if you prefer a richer flavor. This will also give the dish a deeper savory taste.
• Hot Sauce: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the hot sauce or reduce the amount. For a touch of flavor without the heat, try a mild hot sauce or skip it altogether.

Kitchen Appliances You Will Needed

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot or Dutch oven is key for cooking the red beans, vegetables, and spices together. This will help you simmer everything until the beans are tender and fully infused with flavor.
• Blender or Immersion Blender (Optional): To achieve creamy, thick texture, use a blender to blend part of the bean mixture.
• Stove: A stove needs to simmer the beans and cook the rice. The beans need to cook slowly to get soft and flavorful, while the rice should be prepared separately to serve as the perfect base for the dish.

How To Make Cheddars Red Beans and Rice

Step 1 | Prepare the Beans

Rinsing the dried red beans under cold water. Pick out any debris.

Step 2 | Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3 | Add the Beans and Spices

Add the rinsed beans to the pot along with the Cajun seasoning, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, hot sauce, bay leaves, and water (or broth). Stir everything together.

Step 3 | Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook the beans for 1.5-2 hours, or until they’re tender.

Step 4 | Make Rice

While the beans are cooking, prepare the rice according to the package instructions.

Step 5 | Blend for Creaminess

Once the beans are cooked, take out about 1-2 cups of the mixture and blend it until smooth. Then return it to the pot to make the dish creamier.

Step 6 | Serve

Spoon the beans over the rice and serve hot.

Recipe Notes

• For Creamier Beans: If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to blend more of the bean mixture until you reach your desired consistency. This will create a richer, smoother dish.
• Keep an Eye on the Beans: While the beans are simmering, check on them every 30 minutes to make sure they don’t dry out. If needed, add more water or broth to keep the beans covered and tender as they cook.
• Adjust the Spice: The amount of hot sauce can be customized to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce. If you prefer a milder version, start with less or skip it altogether.

Feel free to customize

• Add Sausage: For extra flavor, consider adding smoked sausage or andouille sausage.
• Spicy Version: If you love a bit more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a chopped jalapeño to the beans while they cook.

Serving Ideas for Red Beans and Rice

1. Serve it on its own for a light, comforting meal. The creamy texture of the beans and the fluffy rice make it hearty enough to stand alone.
2. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp to add a boost of protein.
3. Add fried pork chops on the side for a true Southern-inspired feast. The crispy, golden crust of the pork chops pairs perfectly with the creamy, flavorful beans, making every bite more enjoyable.
4. Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. The freshness of a light salad with a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty beans and rice.
5. Cornbread is the perfect side to soak up the delicious beans and their rich flavors. The slightly sweet, soft cornbread will add a wonderful texture and make every bite feel extra comforting.

How to Store Red Beans and Rice

1. Store the beans and rice separately in airtight containers to maintain their texture and flavor.
2. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure to store them properly to keep them fresh.
3. For longer storage, you can freeze the beans for up to 2-3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
4. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe FAQs

1. What are the best spices to use in this recipe?

The magic of this recipe lies in its spice blend. Cajun or Creole seasoning is key, along with oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your taste – a little extra hot sauce can add a nice kick if you like some heat.

2. How do I get a creamy texture in my red beans?

As the beans simmer, use a wooden spoon to partially mash them, which releases their natural starch and creates a rich, creamy consistency. Some people also like to remove a small portion of the beans, blend them, and then mix them back into the dish for extra creaminess.

3. What type of rice works best with this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is the traditional choice for Cheddars red beans and rice. However, feel free to experiment! Brown rice can add a nutty flavor and extra nutrition, while jasmine or basmati rice can bring their own unique characteristics to the dish.

4. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, this recipe is fantastic for meal prep! In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a day or two.

5. How can I adjust the spice level?

Spice tolerance varies from person to person. Start with a small amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, then taste and adjust. You can always add more heat, but it’s harder to take it away. For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the hot sauce. For more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.