Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Cajun culinary paradise with this mouthwatering Oven Baked Red Beans and Rice recipe that promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort! Imagine a dish so rich, so comforting, that it transports you straight to the heart of Louisiana with every single bite. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a hassle-free meal or a food enthusiast craving authentic Cajun flavors, this one-dish wonder is about to become your new go-to recipe that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red beans
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large oven-safe casserole dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold water and drain. If using dried beans, ensure they have been soaked overnight prior to cooking.
- In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the prepared casserole dish. Add the rinsed red beans, uncooked rice, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir all ingredients together to ensure even distribution of spices and vegetables throughout the dish.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the beans are creamy.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot as a hearty main course or side dish.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: If using dried beans, always soak them overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. For a quicker option, canned beans work perfectly too!
- Flavor Boosting: Toast your spices in the skillet with the vegetables for a few seconds before adding them to the dish. This releases their essential oils and intensifies the overall flavor profile.
- Liquid Ratio: Ensure you have enough vegetable broth to cook the rice. If the dish looks too dry during baking, don't hesitate to add a little more liquid.
- Customization: Feel free to add protein like andouille sausage or chicken to make the dish more substantial.
- Resting Time: Never skip the 10-minute resting period after baking. This crucial step allows the rice to absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Storage: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
