Cajun Bean & Rice Skillet

A hearty Cajun-inspired one-pan dish featuring beans, rice, and smoky seasonings. The skillet develops flavor with browned aromatics, peppers, and a hint of heat, delivering a complete lunch or dinner with protein, starch, and veg in one pan.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)

Ingredients(scaled)

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ small onion, diced
  • ½ green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup crushed tomatoes
  • ½ 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat; sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and paprika; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add rice; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until glossy and lightly toasted.
  4. Pour in broth and crushed tomatoes; bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in kidney beans and black beans; reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
  6. Turn off heat; let rest 5 minutes, fluff with fork, and season to taste with salt and pepper; finish with parsley if using.
  7. Flavor boost: squeeze a little lemon juice or add a dash of hot sauce for bright acidity.

Chef’s Pro Tips

  • Use Keli or red kidney beans for heartiness and texture.
  • Brown the vegetables well for deeper flavor before simmering.
  • For extra protein, add sliced and browned smoked sausage at step 2.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of cornbread or steamed greens; a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices complements the dish nicely.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
calories420
protein18
carbs68
fat8

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