Quick Red Beans and Rice

This is one of the fastest sides you can throw together. Our Quick Red Beans and Rice is NOT what anyone would classify as “authentic”, but it is delicious, easy, and so quick to throw together for a done-in-a-flash weeknight dinner!

Quick Sofrito Red Beans and Rice

Traditional red beans and rice are made by soaking dry red kidney beans overnight and cooking them with onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic, smoked sausage, ham hock, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, paprika, and chicken broth until tender. Mash some of the beans to thicken, season with salt and pepper, and serve over cooked long-grain white rice. Then it gets garnished with green onions or parsley, and a few splashes of hot sauce. This recipe is obviously NOT that.

What it is, is a simple, quick, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect to throw together and sure beats anything you can make that comes out of a box! We hit the extra easy button with this and use those little pre-made containers of rice, which makes this dish take about 10 minutes to throw together.

We love Better Than Bouillon products, and no—they aren’t paying me to say that. 😉 We keep it stocked in our fridge and pantry, and I prefer it over most other bouillons and broths for cooking. When they came out with some other bases for sauces, I grabbed several to try, and the sofrito version was very flavorful and a huge time-saver for adding a ton of great notes to this dish without a bunch of time prepping and sauteing vegetables.

Serve with our Blackened Chicken Breast!

Quick Red Beans and Rice Shopping List

Here’s the overview of the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this recipe. Make sure to cook from the recipe card at the bottom of the post for amounts and full instructions.

• White rice (cooked)
• Red kidney beans
• Better Than Bullion Sofrito base 
• Butter 
• Chicken stock 
• Chopped green onion 
• Chili flakes 

Serve with some Traeger Blackened Pork Chops

How To Make Simple Red Beans and Rice

This is just the basics so you know what you’re getting into. When you cook the recipe make sure to use the recipe card at the bottom of the post!

1. Combine the Basics: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, mix the rice, beans, and chicken stock. This base will ensure your dish is off to a great, flavorful start. 
2. Bring the Flavor: Stir in the Better Than Bullion Sofrito base. So much flavor, so little effort.
3. Simmer Away: Allow the mixture to come to a slight simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution. 
4. Butter Time: Add in the butter, stirring until it’s completely melted. This adds a silky, rich texture that elevates the dish. 
5. The Final Touch: Turn off the heat and stir in the chili flakes and green onions right before serving. This will add a fresh, spicy kick that perfectly complements the sofrito base. 

Traeger Chimichurri Shrimp

Tips for Success

• Don’t rush the simmer. Letting the flavors meld together on a gentle heat will enhance the overall taste of your dish. 
• Feel free to tweak the amount of chili flakes based on your heat preference or add other spices you love to make the dish your own. 
• This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. 

Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi

More Recipes With Rice

• Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice
• Spanish Rice
• Italian Sausage and Rice
• Easy Mexican Rice
• Blackstone Mexican Fried Rice
• Mushroom Risotto

Share Your Creations 

We’d love to see how your Sofrito Red Beans and Rice turns out! Share your creations with us by tagging @orwhateveryoudo on your posts. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Whether you stick to the recipe or add your unique twist, we want to see you make these recipes your own!