Copycat Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice
A flavorful copycat of Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice made with rice, red beans, Creole spices, and optional sausage for a hearty one-pot meal.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- ½ cup dried red beans small red beans, not kidney — they cook more evenly
- 2 tbsp dried bell peppers
- 1 tbsp dried onion flakes
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, adjust heat
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder or veggie bouillon for meatless
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine jar contents with 3 ½ cups water and 1 tbsp oil or butter.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice and beans are tender (about 40–45 minutes).
- For creamier, New Orleans–style texture: stir in an extra splash of water near the end and mash a few beans with the back of a spoon.
- Optional: stir in ½ lb smoked sausage or ham while cooking for a full meal.
Notes
If you want it to be “just add sausage” style, you could also include tomato powder (2 tbsp) to round out the Cajun flavor.