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Easy Red Bean Jambalaya is a flavorful, hearty dish that brings together the vibrant, spicy flavors of traditional jambalaya with the creamy, earthy taste of red beans. This dish offers a perfect balance of vegetables, protein, and bold seasonings, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a large group or preparing a meal for the week, this jambalaya is sure to impress. Packed with taste and easy to make, it’s an ideal recipe to add to your dinner rotation.

I discovered the magic of red bean jambalaya while experimenting with new variations of the classic Cajun dish. I wanted to make a jambalaya that was both comforting and unique, and the addition of red beans gave it the richness I was craving. The result was a deliciously spicy and savory dish that could be made with minimal effort and served as a complete meal. Since then, it’s been a go-to in my household, loved by everyone who tries it.

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What I love about this Easy Red Bean Jambalaya is its versatility. You can customize the dish to your preference by adjusting the level of spiciness, swapping out meats, or adding extra vegetables. The dish is easy to make, filling, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why This Easy Red Bean Jambalaya?

Selling Points:

One-Pot Wonder: This jambalaya is cooked in a single pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward.
Bold, Flavorful Dish: With a blend of spices and savory ingredients, this recipe packs a punch of Cajun flavor in every bite.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding or swapping out ingredients like different meats, vegetables, or seasonings.
Quick and Easy: The dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Hearty and Filling: Red beans, rice, and a combination of proteins make this dish filling and satisfying, perfect for a complete meal.

What You Need for Easy Red Bean Jambalaya (Ingredients Section)

For the Jambalaya:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can red beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Optional Garnishes:

Chopped green onions

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Hot sauce

Chopped parsley

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How to Make Easy Red Bean Jambalaya (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.

2. Cook the Meat:

Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until it starts to brown and release its smoky flavor.
Add the diced chicken breast to the pot, and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3. Add the Spices and Tomatoes:

Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the meat and vegetables with flavor.
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors together.

4. Add the Rice and Liquid:

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the rice and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

5. Add the Beans:

Stir in the drained and rinsed red beans, then cover the pot again and let everything cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until heated through. Discard the bay leaves.

6. Serve:

Remove the pot from heat, and give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your liking.
Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley if desired. For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce on top.

Tips for the Perfect Easy Red Bean Jambalaya

Use Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for jambalaya as it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t become too sticky.

Don’t Skip the Bay Leaves: Bay leaves add an essential aromatic note to the dish that really enhances the flavor. Make sure to remove them before serving.

Adjust the Spices: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of Cajun seasoning to make the jambalaya spicier or milder.

Use High-Quality Sausage: A good quality smoked sausage will give your jambalaya that authentic flavor, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.

Let It Rest: Allow the jambalaya to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors continue to develop.

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Substitutions and Variations

Meat Variations: Swap the chicken for shrimp or add both shrimp and sausage for a seafood twist on this dish.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian jambalaya.
Different Beans: While red beans are traditional, you can also use kidney beans or even black beans for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Heat: If you like things spicier, add a diced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables or a few extra dashes of hot sauce when serving.

Make a Healthier Version

For a healthier take on Easy Red Bean Jambalaya, you can use lean chicken breast or turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage. You can also reduce the amount of oil used to sauté the vegetables, or skip the sausage entirely for a lighter dish. To increase the fiber and nutrients, consider adding more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to the mix. Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and to make the dish more filling.

Closing for Easy Red Bean Jambalaya

Easy Red Bean Jambalaya is a delightful, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want to feed a crowd. With its bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and customizable nature, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Try it today and enjoy the comforting taste of Louisiana in your own kitchen!

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Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Red Bean Jambalaya

Can I make this jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Let the jambalaya cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What other meats can I use?
You can use sausage, shrimp, chicken, or even a combination of these. Turkey sausage or andouille sausage are also great options for a lighter or spicier variation.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth. You can also add extra beans and vegetables for a more filling vegetarian version.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a covered pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the dish moist. You can also microwave individual servings.
What side dishes go well with jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with cornbread, a green salad, or some sautéed greens.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes! You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning, adding less if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I use instant rice?
While you can use instant rice, it won’t have the same texture or flavor as long-grain rice. For the best results, use regular long-grain rice.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and chicken first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when it’s tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice is still hard, you can add a little more liquid and continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Easy Red Bean Jambalaya is a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the essence of Cajun cooking into your kitchen. With its rich combination of beans, rice, spices, and savory meats, it’s a perfect meal to share with family and friends. This simple, one-pot dish can easily be customized to suit your preferences and makes a filling and delicious dinner. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this jambalaya is sure to be a hit!