Blue Runner Red Beans Recipe

Written by: Vladimir Lapshin

Blue runner red beans recipe is a classic comfort dish from Louisiana. It is warm, hearty, and full of rich Creole flavor. Normally, it takes hours to make from scratch, with beans slowly simmering all day. But if you are busy or want something quicker, Blue Runner red beans are the perfect shortcut. These canned beans are already seasoned and cooked, so you can enjoy a homemade-tasting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we have given step-by-step instructions for the blue runner red beans recipe.

Key Takeaways

• Hearty One-Pot Meal: This blue runner red beans recipe brings together creamy red beans, smoked sausage, onion, celery, and bell pepper. These vegetables form the classic holy trinity in Louisiana cooking. When you serve the bean mixture over warm rice, you get a full, satisfying meal in one bowl.
• Simple and Convenient: You only need a few basic ingredients to make this dish. Most of them are easy to find in your kitchen or pantry. You do not need any special tools or skills, and the whole dish comes together in less than an hour. It is perfect for busy evenings when you still want something warm and homemade.
• Flexible and Customizable: You can change the canned red beans and rice recipe to match your taste or needs. Add hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for more spice. Use turkey sausage if you want a lighter meal, or leave out the meat to make it vegetarian. The base of seasoned red beans works well with many different flavors and add-ins.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Red beans are naturally high in protein and fiber, which help you feel full and support digestion. When you pair the beans with rice and vegetables, the dish becomes balanced and nourishing. It feels like comfort food, but it also gives your body what it needs to stay healthy.

What are the Blue Runner Red Beans?

Blue Runner Red Beans are creamy, well-seasoned red kidney beans that come in a can, made by a Louisiana brand called Blue Runner Foods. These beans are already slow-cooked with Creole spices like onion, garlic, and black pepper, which gives them a rich, homemade taste. Some of the beans are mashed during cooking, so the mixture has a thick, gravy-like texture. People in New Orleans have long enjoyed red beans and rice, especially on Mondays, when families used to simmer big pots of beans while doing laundry. Blue runner red beans and rice make it easy to enjoy this tradition without spending hours in the kitchen. Just open the can, heat the beans, and serve them over rice for a quick, comforting meal. You can also use them as a base to add sausage, vegetables, or your favorite seasonings.

Blue Runner Red Beans Recipe

Recipe by Recipe Blossom

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: MeatCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories per serving

450

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15–16 oz each) Blue Runner Creole Cream Style Red Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

• 1 pound andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 ribs of celery, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken stock or water

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1–2 bay leaves

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs fresh thyme)

• 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 4–6 cups cooked white rice (about 1 to 1½ cups per serving)

• Optional: Sliced green onions, hot sauce, a splash of vinegar, or pickled pepper relish

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Sauté the Veggies: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Brown the Sausage: Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the sliced smoked sausage. Let it brown for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix it well with the vegetables so everything is combined.
• Add Beans and Liquid: Pour in the two cans of Blue Runner red beans. If using, add the drained kidney beans. Stir everything together. Add about 1 cup of chicken stock or water to loosen the mixture. Stir again. It should look thick but scoopable – like a creamy stew. Add more liquid later if needed.
• Season the Pot: Drop in 1 or 2 bay leaves and add dried thyme. Sprinkle in the Cajun or Creole seasoning and a little black pepper. Stir everything. Hold off on adding extra salt for now.
• Simmer the Beans: Lower the heat and let the pot simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir now and then so it does not stick. The flavors will blend, and the sausage will infuse into the beans. If you like a creamier texture, mash a few beans with the back of your spoon as you stir.
• Taste and Adjust: Check for flavor and thickness. If it is too thick, add a bit more broth. Taste for seasoning and add more spice or salt if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
• Serve and Enjoy: Spoon warm cooked rice into bowls and ladle the beans over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with hot sauce or a splash of vinegar on the side for extra flavor.

Chef Recommendations

• Boost the Smoky Flavor: If you want a deeper smoky taste, add a small smoked ham hock or turkey neck while the beans simmer. This step is optional, but it gives the pot more richness. Remove the bone before serving.
• Adjust the Spice: Andouille sausage already adds a little heat. If you like it spicier, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne with the vegetables. For a milder version, use mild sausage and skip the extra spice. Let people add hot sauce to their bowls.
• Make It Vegetarian: You can skip the sausage and still have a flavorful dish. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to keep that smoky taste. Blue Runner beans carry enough seasoning to stand on their own.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Red beans and rice taste even better the next day, which makes this dish perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Let the cooked beans cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. It is a good idea to keep the rice in a separate container, since it can dry out. 

To reheat, sprinkle a little water on the rice and microwave it gently. For the beans, warm them on the stove over low heat or use the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if they seem too thick.

You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 to 3 months. Place cooled beans in freezer-safe containers or flat freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. 

If you want to prep ahead, you can chop the onion, celery, bell pepper, and sausage in advance and store them in the fridge for a couple of days. That way, when you are ready to cook, you just need to heat your pot and get started. 

This canned red beans and rice recipe is also easy to double if you want extra for a crowd or freezing. Just simmer a little longer and add a bit more liquid if needed.

Best Ways to Eat Blue Runner Red Beans

• Classic Style: The most popular way to enjoy Blue Runner red beans and rice is the traditional New Orleans way. Spoon the hot, creamy beans over a serving of steamed white rice. Top with sliced green onions, a dash of hot sauce, or a splash of vinegar. Add a slice of warm, crusty French bread on the side to soak up the sauce. It is simple, filling, and full of flavor.
• As a Side Dish: Red beans and rice can also be served as a side dish. A small bowl pairs well with fried chicken, pork chops, or barbecue. In Louisiana, you might see it alongside fried catfish or served with extra sausage on the side.
• Toppings and Twists: You can personalize your bowl with extras like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or even pickled onions. These toppings are not traditional, but they add fun texture and flavor. A spoonful of tangy relish or hot sauce also works well.

The Nutrition Facts

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is based on average ingredients and serving amounts, and is given only as a general guide for you to eat. Values can vary based on the brands and ways of preparing you select. If you’re on a specific diet or have questions about your diet, please speak with your registered dietitian or a good nutrition calculator.

The Nutritional Benefits

• Great Source of Protein: Red beans are packed with plant-based protein. When paired with rice, they form a complete protein that provides all the essential amino acids your body needs.
• High in Fiber and Micronutrients: Red beans are rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel full for hours. They also offer important vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium.
• Low in Fat and Heart-Friendly: The bean portion is naturally low in fat and has no cholesterol. Most of the fat in the dish comes from sausage and any oil used. You can lighten it up by using lean sausage and a small amount of olive oil.

FAQs