Red Beans and Rice Recipe My Way

No, I am not an expert on Red Beans and Rice in the South or how to make the amazing wonderful Latin recipes.

I am an expert on spicing up red beans and rice instantly in this easy Italian style recipe version!

This is something easy to make come out perfect and a great side for meat meals.

I have seen the prepackaged ones in the store and seriously, to me they're tasteless.

I like to make beans in a slow cooker overnight, then have them in the refrigerator during the week, make some fresh rice, and viola, a great side dish for any meal in no time.

This is a tasty simple side dish you can doctor up or leave plain.

My family loves this without all the additives but you can adapt it to anything you're accustomed to.

I will give some suggestions below of additions that I like myself.

Great meals that go great with this side dish is our Slow-Cooked Smoked Beef Brisket, it's so delicious and juicy!

Scroll down to print off this recipe.

This is a dish of red beans and white in a white bowl

Beans Are Healthy!

I love beans of all kinds.

Beans have so many health benefits.

They're full of zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and many vitamins our body needs like B1, B6, E, and K.

Low in calories with just 245 calories per cup and red beans and pinto beans some of the most nutrient-dense foods around.

this is a white casserole of rice and red beans

Ingredients You Will Need

scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements

red beans or pinto beans canned or dried cooked (or substitute your favorite kind)
olive oil
minced garlic
cooked rice to package instructions
chili powder
olive oil
cumin
garlic powder
dash of cayenne pepper
oregano
salt and pepper to taste

Cook the Beans If Using Dry

Using dry red beans or any kind of beans?

No problem, either boil them until soft to package instructions, soak overnight in a bowl or my favorite way is to add them to a slow cooker in water overnight.

Canned is the easiest since they are ready to combine with just by heating them up, I always like to rinse off all the salt first before using them.

Dry beans stay a bit firmer not mushy and when I have time I use dry beans.

this is a blue colander with red beans in it washed

Suggestion Additions

Mushrooms
Hot sliced peppers
Sliced olives
Fresh spinach
Shredded carrots
Minced onion
Any kinds of beans
Pasta instead of rice

Red beans with white rice in a white bowl

Use Any Beans You Like

So red beans aren't your favorite?

Use any kinds of beans, lentils, peas, lima beans, pigeon peas, chickpeas, 15 beans, cannellini beans, or any white beans.

Whatever you have in the pantry is fine, the rice and spices will make this dish awesome.

this is 15 beans being washed and rinsed in a small sliver colander

Pin for later Red Beans and Rice Recipe My Way

this is a red beans and rice side dish in a white bowl

Try Some of My Other Favorite Recipes

Our Best Soup Recipes
Cranberries Brussels Sprouts
Holiday Side Dishes

Fast and Easy Ideas!

If you love red beans and rice or any beans with rice, try the basic recipe, add whatever you like and make a great side dish in minutes.

I love easy recipes like this and especially ones even the kids gobble up.

Perfect for potlucks, holiday side dishes, and anytime you need something quick.

You could even add cooked chicken and meats to the dish for a whole meal in itself!