Red Beans Rice Turkey Sausage (Printable)

Comforting Southern classic with smoky turkey sausage, tender red beans, and aromatic vegetables, served over fluffy rice.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 12 ounces turkey sausage, sliced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Beans

06 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Grains

07 - 1 cup long-grain white rice

→ Liquids

08 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 cup water

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

17 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# How-To:

01 - Prepare the long-grain white rice according to its package instructions; set aside and keep warm.
02 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the browned sausage from the pot and set it aside.
03 - In the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
05 - Add the drained and rinsed red kidney beans, low-sodium chicken broth, water, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
06 - Return the reserved turkey sausage to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
07 - Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the red beans and rice, then adjust the seasoning as needed.
08 - Serve the hot red beans and rice over the prepared steamed rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's surprisingly simple to put together, but tastes like you've been slaving away all day.
  • This dish is incredibly satisfying and comforting, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike.
02 -
  • Don't be tempted to skip rinsing the canned beans; it really does make a difference in the final taste and texture.
  • Letting the spices toast for a short moment before adding liquids is a game-changer for deepening their flavor.
03 -
  • For an even richer flavor, consider soaking dried red beans overnight and cooking them from scratch, though canned beans work perfectly fine for convenience.
  • Don't be afraid to let the sausage get a really good sear; those browned bits add incredible depth to the finished dish.

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