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Quickie Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Quickie Red Beans and Rice Recipe - Cheap Delicious Meals

Life can feel like a whirlwind sometimes. You hustle through your day, and before you know it, it’s dinner time. This is where my quickie red beans and rice takes center stage. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Seriously, every single bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly night.
I’m a food enthusiast and a registered dietitian, with plenty of cooking experience tucked under my apron. I appreciate meals that not only taste amazing but are also quick to whip up. Over the years, I've developed this fast-paced recipe, perfect for any night when you're pressed for time but still want something hearty. Let’s dig into what makes this dish so special.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 610
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces smoked bacon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cans kidney beans, with liquid included
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 small fresh jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 medium aromatics
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • ⅓ cup concentrated tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Method
 

  1. Step into my kitchen as I guide you through the cooking process.
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
  1. In your trusty pot, throw in those bacon pieces. Heat it over medium heat and let it sizzle until it’s nice and crispy. This might take about 5 to 7 minutes, but trust me, the aroma will be worth it! You want that delightful grease to flavor the rest of your dish.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
  1. Once the bacon is good and crispy, it’s time to add in your diced onions (or bell pepper). Stir them around for a few minutes until they soften. This step allows the glorious flavors to meld together, creating a fragrant base for your meal.
Step 3: Introduce the Spices
  1. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, coriander, and black pepper. Stir it up and inhale deeply. The aroma should be enticing! Let the spices toast for about a minute.
Step 4: Beans, Rice, and Tomato Paste
  1. Now, drain one can of the kidney beans and add the other, liquid and all, along with the tomato paste. This combination helps build the creamy texture. Once mixed, add in the rice. Give everything a good stir so each grain soaks up that flavor.
Step 5: Add Water and Simmer
  1. Pour in 4 cups of water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for around 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
  1. Once finished, give the mixture a good stir to fluff it up. If you opted for jalapeño, now would be a great time to mix it in. Let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat before serving.

Notes

Here are five tips to elevate your quickie red beans and rice:
Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to throw in some cooked sausage or shredded chicken for added protein.
Adjust Seasonings: Tweak spices according to your preference. A dash of hot sauce right before serving can really spice things up!
Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for freshness.
Make it Creamy: Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for extra richness.
Batch Cooking: This meal holds well, so if you’re prepping for the week, double your batch!