Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans And Rice Recipe

I love my take on Popeyes Red Beans And Rice made from scratch. Simmered kidney beans mingle with savory smoked sausage, chopped onions, diced green bell pepper and celery for a hearty meal. Rich garlic paired with fragrant thyme and paprika invite an enticing blend that makes this dish unforgettable.

Hey everyone, I’m super excited to share my version of Copycat Popeyes Red Beans And Rice. I first got hooked on this dish when I saw a ton of Rice Recipes Videos online and I just had to try it myself.

I used 1 lb dried red kidney beans, 1 lb smoked sausage, a medium chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and 2 celery stalks to kick things off. Then I tossed in 4 garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt along with 4 cups water.

This quick dish gives off those Popeyes Red Beans And Rice vibes, kind of like a Cheesy Pinto Beans And Rice remix that you’ll see on Food Plates. Honestly, it might seem messy at first but its a real Manwhich Meal that totally satisfies.

Give it a shot and see why it stands out as a top Rice And Red Beans Recipe!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it turns simple ingredients into something that tastes amazing. The smoked sausage and spices mix together so well that every bite reminds me of comfort food done right.

I also really appreciate how easy it is to follow the steps even though it takes a couple of hours to simmer. Even when im busy, I know that after a little waiting, I’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal that feels just like home.

Plus, the whole process is fun to do. I like getting a little creative with the seasoning and checking the beans to make sure they are perfect. Its a cool way to make a restaurant-style dish at home without too much hassle.

Ingredients

• Red kidney beans: loaded with fiber and protein, they give the dish a hearty feel.
• Smoked sausage: bursts with savory flavor and adds rich, meaty protein to the mix.
• Onion: creates a sweet base and an aromatic punch that’s essential in stews.
• Green bell pepper: offers crunch and a slight bitterness that balances the rich flavors.
• Garlic: adds a bold, spicy note that really enhances every bite.
• Celery: brings a satisfying crunch and healthy vitamins, complementing all the flavors.
• Bay leaves: impart an herbal, aromatic essence that infuses the broth with depth.
• Thyme: a fragrant herb that brightens the dish’s smoky, meaty profile.
• Paprika: provides a mild heat and smoky undertones which elevate the overall stew.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb dried red kidney beans (rinsed and sorted)
• 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
• 1 medium onion, chopped up
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust as needed)
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)

How to Make this

1. Heat a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the smoked sausage rounds until they get a bit crispy, then take ‘em out and set aside.

2. In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and celery stalks; cook ’em until soft and a little browned.

3. Add the minced garlic and stir it in for about a minute so it starts to smell good.

4. Put the sausage back into the pot with the veggies.

5. Add your 1 lb rinsed red kidney beans to the mix along with the 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.

6. Pour in the 4 cups of water and bring the whole thing to a boil.

7. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat so it simmers gently and cover the pot partially; let it cook for about
1.5 to 2 hours until the beans are nice and tender.

8. Stir it occasionally, and if needed, adjust the salt and pepper after checking the beans’ texture.

9. When the beans are ready, serve them over 2 cups of cooked white rice.

10. Dig in and enjoy your quick copycat version of Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot with a lid to cook the sausage and beans
2. A cutting board to chop the onions, celery, and bell pepper
3. A chef’s knife for slicing and dicing all the veggies and sausage
4. A measuring cup to accurately pour 4 cups of water
5. A set of measuring spoons for the thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper
6. A slotted spoon or tongs to remove the browned sausage from the pot
7. A stirring spoon to mix the ingredients during cooking
8. A garlic mincer or knife to mince the garlic cloves

FAQ

Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans And Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of dried red kidney beans, you could use canned kidney beans if you’re short on time (just remember to rinse and drain ’em).
• If you don’t got smoked sausage, try using Andouille or chorizo to mix up the flavor a bit.
• Not having green bell pepper? Red bell pepper works too and gives a slightly sweeter twist.
• If you’re missing bay leaves, a bit extra thyme can help fill in the flavor gap.
• Swap water with chicken broth for an extra rich taste if that’s what you’re after.

Pro Tips

1. When you browning the sausage, try not to overcrowd the pot. This helps the slices to get that crispy finish that really brings out the smoky flavor, instead of just stewing in their own juices.

2. Make sure you let the veggies get soft and a little bit browned. If you rush them, you might miss out on that deep flavor that comes from a slow cook.

3. Don’t skip stirring the pot during the simmering time. Beans tend to stick to the bottom if left alone for too long, and that can really mess up the taste and texture.

4. Always taste and adjust the seasonings towards the end of the cooking process. The beans soak up the spices as they cook so a little extra salt or pepper might be needed after all the hard work.