Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe

If you re craving that creamy, smoky, and soul-satisfying bowl of southern comfort, then you ve got to try this Copycat Popeye s Red Beans and Rice Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time: the beans are perfectly seasoned with just the right kick of heat, and the rice soaks up every delicious bite. It s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

When I first tried to make this at home, I thought it would be complicated, but this version uses pantry staples and comes together in just about 20 minutes. You ll find that it s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you want a taste of New Orleans without leaving your kitchen. Trust me, this Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe will become a staple in your recipe box too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy textures. Plus, everything is easy to find in most grocery stores, which really helps when you want to make this quickly.

• Red beans: Canned red beans make this recipe so convenient without losing flavor.
• Water: Helps adjust the consistency of the beans as they cook.
• Onion powder: Adds a sweet and savory depth without chopping fresh onions.
• Garlic powder: Provides that essential garlicky punch, saving you prep time.
• Salt: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Hot sauce: Gives that subtle heat that s signature in Popeye s red beans.
• Liquid smoke: Key for replicating the smoky flavor you get in the restaurant.
• Bacon fat: If you don t have bacon fat, you can use bacon grease or substitute with butter for richness.
• Cooked white rice: Uncle Ben s converted white rice works great, but freshly cooked rice will do just fine.

Variations

I love that this Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe is super flexible. Feel free to tweak it based on your taste or what you have on hand-making it your own is half the fun!

• Spicy Boost: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or extra hot sauce when I want a little more kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon fat and substitute with olive oil or vegan butter. A touch of smoked paprika adds richness.
• Meat Lover s Upgrade: Toss in some smoked sausage or ham hocks for that classic hearty vibe.
• Herb Twist: Fresh thyme or parsley sprinkled on top makes the dish pop with freshness.

How to Make Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice Perfectly

I usually start by cooking the rice since red beans and rice is all about timing. For this recipe, I use Uncle Ben s Converted White Rice. Bring 1.5 cups water to a boil with a tablespoon of butter, add half a cup of rice, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Once done, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes so it s nice and fluffy. Trust me, this step makes all the difference in texture!

Step 2: Prep the Beans and Flavorings

Pour in the two cans of red beans, juice and all, into a large saucepan. Then add water, onion powder, garlic powder, hot sauce, salt, liquid smoke, and that golden bacon fat. This mix is what transforms ordinary beans into the soulful dish Popeye s is famous for. I discovered that adding liquid smoke is the secret weapon to get that authentic flavor without grilling or smoking meat.

Step 3: Mash and Simmer the Beans

Using a potato masher, gently mash the beans – but don t go overboard! You want a creamy texture with some whole beans still intact for bite and body. Then, cook it over medium heat and stir frequently. The goal is to let the mixture thicken and for some of the liquid to evaporate, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn t stick or burn. I found that stirring every couple of minutes helps develop that luscious consistency.

Step 4: Plate and Serve Like Popeye s

Once both beans and rice are ready, here s the trick to stay true to the classic Popeye s style: serve the rice over the red beans-not the other way around. It creates that perfect harmony of fluffy rice soaking up the smoky, spicy bean goodness. Serve it up warm, maybe with your favorite hot sauce on the side, and enjoy every comforting bite.

How to Serve Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and brightness. A dash of extra hot sauce makes it even better if you like that extra punch. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness-it really wakes up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe are cornbread and sautéed greens like collards or kale. For a little extra indulgence, crispy fried okra or a simple cabbage slaw complements the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve the beans in a shallow bowl with the rice piled high in the center, topped with a drizzle of bacon fat or hot sauce. It s always a hit at family gatherings, and it s fun to see everyone dig in from the same dish, just like down in NOLA!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last 3-4 days. The beans thicken up when chilled, so before serving, just warm them gently with a splash of water to loosen the mixture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the beans, put them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing them separately from the rice, since rice tends to get mushy when frozen and thawed. When thawed, the beans still taste fantastic and save you time for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the beans in a saucepan over low heat with a little water, stirring until heated through. The rice can be reheated in the microwave with a damp paper towel covering to keep it moist. This method keeps the texture fresh and satisfying.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it s the perfect blend of simplicity, heartiness, and bold flavor. Whenever I make it, I m reminded of good times around the dinner table with family. Give it a try-you ll enjoy the cozy, smoky comfort and the ease this dish brings to your weeknight dinners. Plus, once you master this, you ll feel like you cracked the code to a beloved southern classic!

Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe

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• Author: Stacy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern, Cajun

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Description

This copycat recipe recreates the beloved Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice, featuring creamy red beans simmered with smoky bacon fat, onion and garlic powders, and a hint of hot sauce, served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for a comforting Southern-inspired meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Beans

• 2 (16-oz) cans red beans
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp liquid smoke
• 3 tbsp bacon fat

Rice

• 1/2 cup white rice (Uncle Ben’s Converted White Rice recommended)
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cups cooked white rice (drained)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: Bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of white rice and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until water is absorbed.
2. Combine Beans and Seasonings: Pour the two cans of red beans, including the juice, into a large saucepan. Add 1/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon each of onion and garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke, and 3 tablespoons of bacon fat.
3. Mash Beans Partially: Use a potato masher to compress the beans and ingredients slightly. Leave some beans whole to keep texture.
4. Simmer Beans: Cook the bean mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the mixture thickens and excess water evaporates, about 15 minutes.
5. Rest the Rice: Once rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to fluff up and absorb any remaining moisture.
6. Serve: Serve the cooked rice over the thickened red bean mixture to replicate the authentic Popeye’s style.

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Notes

• Use bacon fat for authentic smoky flavor, but substitute with oil or butter for a vegetarian version.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on your spice preference.
• Uncle Ben’s Converted White Rice is recommended for best texture, but any long grain white rice can be used.
• Partial mashing gives the beans a creamy yet chunky texture.
• Stir beans frequently to avoid burning and sticking to the pan.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup beans with 1/3 cup rice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 10mg