This Red Beans and Rice Bake takes the classic Southern comfort dish and transforms it into an easy-to-make, one-pan casserole. Packed with bold Cajun flavors, protein-rich red beans, and perfectly fluffy rice, this meal is both hearty and satisfying. The best part? It requires minimal prep time—just mix everything together, bake, and enjoy! Whether you’re a fan of traditional red beans and rice or just looking for a cozy, flavorful dish to add to your meal rotation, this bake is sure to hit the spot. With a balance of spice, texture, and warmth, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing with family and friends. Serve it with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for the ultimate comfort meal!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups long grain white rice (medium grain also works; rinse well)
- 1 (15-ounce) can red beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small sweet yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons salt-free Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dry thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2-3 vegan sausages, sliced into coins
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (for serving)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the rice, drained beans, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, butter, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to mix.
- Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Cover tightly with a lid or foil.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- While the casserole is baking, pan-fry the sliced sausages in a lightly oiled pan until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the pan-fried sausage and parsley. If the rice still has excess liquid, bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 431 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Red Beans and Rice Bake
A Southern Classic with a Twist
Red beans and rice is a beloved dish with deep roots in Southern and Creole cuisine. Traditionally, it’s a slow-cooked meal that originated in Louisiana, where families would simmer red beans with spices, vegetables, and meats like sausage or ham hock. The dish became a Monday staple in many households because it was easy to prepare while doing laundry—allowing flavors to develop over time.
This Red Beans and Rice Bake takes the essence of the traditional dish and transforms it into a modern, convenient casserole. By using a dump-and-bake method, this recipe minimizes active cooking time while still delivering rich, smoky, and spicy Cajun flavors. It’s the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and bold taste, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd.
Why This Recipe is the Best
✔ One-Pan Simplicity – Everything is combined in a baking dish and left to cook in the oven, eliminating the need for multiple pots and pans. No need to monitor a simmering pot for hours—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
✔ Rich, Deep Cajun Flavors – Thanks to ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Cajun seasoning, this dish delivers smoky, slightly spicy, and umami-packed flavors without the need for meat.
✔ High in Plant-Based Protein – Red beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. This recipe provides a hearty and satisfying meal without relying on meat, making it ideal for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals.
✔ Budget-Friendly & Pantry-Staple Ingredients – Most of the ingredients in this dish are inexpensive and easy to find. Red beans, rice, and seasonings are pantry staples that make this recipe affordable while still being filling and nutritious.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep & Freezing – Since this casserole stores well in the fridge or freezer, it’s an excellent option for batch cooking. Make a big batch, divide into portions, and reheat throughout the week for an easy meal on demand.
✔ Customizable for Different Diets – Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or looking to add more protein, this recipe can be easily modified to suit different dietary needs. Use brown rice, quinoa, or even add extra veggies like carrots or zucchini for more nutrients.
Ingredients Breakdown & Their Benefits
Red Beans 🫘
Red beans are the star of this dish. They are rich in protein, fiber, iron, and folate, making them an excellent source of plant-based nutrition. They help maintain steady blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and keep you full for longer.
White Rice 🍚
Long-grain white rice provides the perfect base for this dish, soaking up all the delicious Cajun flavors. It is a gluten-free grain that offers energy and complements the beans’ texture. If you prefer whole grains, brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for added fiber.
The Cajun Holy Trinity: Onion, Bell Pepper, and Celery 🌿
This trio is a staple in Cajun and Creole cooking, providing depth and aroma to the dish. These vegetables add natural sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants while enhancing the overall flavor.
Cajun Seasoning & Worcestershire Sauce 🔥
These ingredients bring bold, smoky, and slightly spicy notes to the dish. Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s vegetarian-friendly) adds umami depth, while Cajun seasoning brings the perfect kick of spice.
Vegetarian Sausage (Optional) 🌱
For those who enjoy a little extra texture and protein, plant-based sausage adds a delicious savory bite to the dish. Field Roast Apple Sage or any vegan Italian-style sausage works well.
Butter & Tomato Paste 🧈 🍅
Butter adds a little richness to the dish, while tomato paste provides tanginess and umami depth, balancing out the bold spices.
Vegetable Broth 🥣
Cooking the rice in vegetable broth infuses it with extra flavor and ensures a perfectly fluffy texture.
How to Serve & Pair This Dish
This Red Beans and Rice Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with several sides and toppings:
✔ Cornbread – The slight sweetness of cornbread balances the bold spices in this dish.
✔ Collard Greens – A traditional Southern side that adds extra fiber and nutrients.
✔ Hot Sauce – A splash of Louisiana-style hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco) enhances the dish’s spice level.
✔ Sliced Avocado – Adds creaminess and a fresh contrast to the smoky flavors.
✔ Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps lighten up the meal.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully!
To Store:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
- Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly with foil or storing it in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat:
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Customization Ideas
✔ Make It Spicier – Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
✔ Boost the Protein – Add more red beans or mix in black beans for variety.
✔ Use a Different Grain – Swap out rice for quinoa, couscous, or even farro for a different texture.
✔ Make It Creamy – Stir in a little coconut milk or cashew cream for a richer texture.
✔ Add More Veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms all work well in this dish.
Conclusion
This Red Beans and Rice Bake is the ultimate weeknight meal—quick, hearty, and packed with Cajun-inspired flavor. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner, a make-ahead meal for the week, or a cozy dish to share with family, this casserole checks all the boxes.
It delivers everything we love about traditional red beans and rice but in an easier, one-pan format that requires minimal effort. Plus, it’s completely customizable to fit different diets and preferences! So next time you’re craving bold, comforting flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, give this dump-and-bake red beans and rice casserole a try. You won’t be disappointed!
