Description
This Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice recipe delivers the smoky, savory flavor of the famous fast-food side dish right at home. Made with creamy mashed beans, bold spices, and served over fluffy rice, it’s a comforting Southern classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (15 oz each) red beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups cooked long grain white rice
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth (for thinning)
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or vegan butter (optional for richness)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the red beans, water (or broth), and all spices: onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
- Add liquid smoke and butter (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mash the beans partially using a fork or potato masher, leaving some whole for texture.
- If mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package instructions or reheat pre-cooked rice.
- To serve, spoon red beans over a bed of rice in individual bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped green onions or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For a more authentic smoky flavor, don’t skip the liquid smoke.
- You can use dried red beans soaked overnight and cooked if preferred over canned beans.
- To make it vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth and plant-based butter or omit butter entirely.
- This dish pairs well with fried chicken, cornbread, or as a hearty meal on its own.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (beans + rice)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: red beans and rice, Popeye's copycat, southern side dish, smoky beans, vegan beans, comfort food