Trader Joe’s Easy Red Beans and Rice
Bring a taste of New Orleans to your table with this hearty Trader Joe’s red beans and rice, featuring smoky chicken sausage, tender veggies, and bold Cajun spices. It’s a cozy, one-pot dinner that’s easy enough for busy weeknights and full of comforting flavor the whole family will love!
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RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Trader Joe’s red beans and rice recipe:
** Complete ingredient list in the the recipe card below
INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
Spicy Italian sausage: Trader Joe’s carries smoked andouille sausage which I LOVE, but they don’t always have it, so the spicy Italian sausage is my go-to. You can use any type of savory pre-cooked sausage.
Chicken stock: I like using Trader Joe’s chicken stock or chicken bone broth for the richest flavor. Regular chicken broth is fine too if that’s what you have on hand!
CASEY’S TIPS
- Make it creamy: For a creamier texture, blend 1 can of the kidney beans + the liquid in the can in a blender before adding to the pan. I LOVE the texture when I take the time to do this step!
- Make your own Cajun seasoning: Sometimes Trader Joe’s carries their own brand of Cajun seasoning, but I can’t always find it. You can use another brand, or easily make your own: 1 tsp. smoked paprika, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. thyme and ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
- Add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce at the end: A small splash of apple cider vinegar or your favorite hot sauce brightens this dish and the hot sauce adds some heat!
- Storage: Place the red beans and sausage mixture in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store cooked rice separately to prevent it from getting mushy.
RELATED…
If you need more easy, delicious Trader Joe’s recipes like this one, please don’t miss these decadent marry me meatballs recipe, and this hearty green chicken chili. And of course, check out the cookbook for 50+ more recipes!
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Thank you! ~ Casey
Trader Joe’s Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 12 oz. package of Trader Joe's Smoked Andouille Chicken Sausage or Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage, sliced into 1/4" rounds about 4-5 links or any savory pre-cooked sausage
- 1 tbsp. garlic, minced 4-5 cloves
- 1 small onion, diced about 1 cup
- 1 small green pepper, diced about 1 cup
- 3-4 celery ribs, diced about 1 cup
- 2 tbsp. Cajun seasoning See Casey's Tips below to make your own Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 15 oz. cans of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock (or broth)
- 1 bay leaf optional
- cooked rice, for serving Trader Joe's microwave jasmine rice is great!
- sliced green onions, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cook sausage and veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high, heat olive oil. Add sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned. Then add garlic, onions, celery, green pepper, and Cajun seasoning (or spice blend). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
- Add and simmer: Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, kidney beans, chicken stock, and bay leaf (if using). Give everything a big stir! Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Finish: While the dish is simmering, cook your rice. Add rice to your bowl and ladle red beans over the top. Sprinkle with green onions and serve right away!
Notes
Casey’s tips
-
- Make it creamy: For a creamier texture, blend 1 can of the kidney beans + the liquid in the can in a blender before adding to the pan. LOVE the texture when I take the time to do this step!
- Make your own seasoning: Sometimes Trader Joe’s carries their own brand of Cajun seasoning, but I can’t always find it. You can use another brand, or easily make your own: 1 tsp. smoked paprika, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. thyme and ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
- Add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce at the end: A small splash of apple cider vinegar or your favorite hot sauce brightens this dish and the hot sauce adds some heat!
- Storage: Place the red beans and sausage mixture in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store cooked rice separately to prevent it from getting mushy.
This looks like such a perfect weeknight dinner — simple ingredients, big flavor, and love that it all comes together so fast! Definitely grabbing the sausage basketball stars and jasmine rice on my next Trader Joe’s run. Can’t wait to try it!
Red beans and rice might seem complicated but it’s SO EASY! I make this recipe at LEAST once a month–I hope you love it! XO ~ Casey