Skip to content
recipesvibrant

Aunt Nancy's Cajun Rice and Beans

I don't know where my aunt got this recipe- but all I can say is it's nourishing, quick and awfully good!

4.0 · 2 reviewsRecipe card by White Rose ChildEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
CornPeppersBeansVegetableCajunLow Protein
Share
Aunt Nancy's Cajun Rice and Beans — a vegan One Dish Meal recipePin it

Total time

40 min

Servings

6

Calories

283.7

Category

One Dish Meal

Aunt Nancy’s Cajun Rice and Beans is a hearty, plant-based one-dish meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana to your kitchen in under 40 minutes. This easy, inexpensive vegan recipe combines fiber-rich beans, colorful peppers, and aromatic Cajun spices for a healthy dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 red onion
  • 3/4 chopped tomato
  • 1 green peppers
  • 3/4 frozen corn kernels
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 fresh parsley
  • 1/4 salt
  • 1/4 crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 - 1/2 black pepper
  • 1 water
  • 1 kidney beans
  • 1 1/2 brown rice
  • 2 2/3 water
  • 1/4 vegetable broth
  • green onion

Method

  1. Put the rice and 2 2/3 cups water or broth in a pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer about 30 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients. After rice has been cooking 15-20 minutes, continue as follows.

  3. In a skillet, soften the onion and garlic in a little water.

  4. Stir the next 8 ingredients into the skillet (tomato to pepper). Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

  5. When no water is left on the rice and it's just beginning to stick, remove from the heat and let it stand covered. This is important, to allow it to dry and fluff up a bit before serving.

  6. Slightly mash half of the beans. Stir them all into the skillet. Cook partially covered, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

  7. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions if desired.

Cook's notes

  • For the most authentic flavor, use a high-quality Cajun seasoning blend that features smoked paprika and cayenne.
  • Rinse your canned beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
  • Toast your dry rice in the pan with the aromatics for two minutes before adding the broth to create a nuttier, deeper flavor profile.
  • Garnish with fresh scallions or chopped parsley just before serving to add a pop of brightness to the dish.

Easy swaps

  • Use brown rice instead of white for an extra boost of whole grains, though note that cooking time will increase.
  • Swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans if you prefer a different texture.
  • Add plant-based sausage crumbles or smoked tofu to increase the protein content if desired.
  • Replace vegetable broth with water and a splash of soy sauce for a quick pantry-friendly alternative.

Frequently asked

Is this Cajun rice and beans recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you ensure your Cajun spice blend and vegetable broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

While it is designed to be a 40-minute stovetop meal, you can slow cook it on low for 4 hours, though you may need to adjust the broth ratios to ensure the rice reaches the correct consistency.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild, flavorful kick typical of Cajun seasoning. If you prefer it extra spicy, feel free to add an extra dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

You might also like

More One Dish Meal →