Classic Red Beans N Rice

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. + standing Cook: 2-1/4 hours

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Mar. 04, 2023
After living where Cajun cooking is common, we rely on this staple dish. Even If you've never tried red beans and rice, you'll like this recipe! —Jackie Turnage, New Iberia, Louisiana
Classic Red Beans N Rice Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried kidney beans
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 ham hock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Hot cooked rice
  • Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions

  1. Sort beans and rinse with cold water. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add enough water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand until beans are softened, 1-4 hours.
  2. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Return to Dutch oven. Add the 8 cups water, ham hock, bay leaves and onion powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  3. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook the beef, onion, salt and pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, breaking meat into crumbles. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add to bean mixture. Simmer, uncovered, 1 hour. Discard bay leaves.
  4. Remove ham hock; allow to cool. Remove meat from bone; discard bone. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces and return to broth. Heat through. Serve with rice and, if desired, top with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 309 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.