When most people think of Popeyes, they imagine juicy fried chicken, but the truth is that Popeye’s has a lot more going on. Their side dish menu is out of this world, containing all the best Southern-style dishes, including Red Beans and Rice. There are a million ways to make Red Beans and Rice, but Popeye’s recipe stands out because of its delicately seasoned rice and smoky flavor. The recipe isn’t fussy, making it the perfect side dish, but many order it as their main event!
Many chefs have tried to recreate this recipe, but their versions fall short, often forgetting to season the rice or adding a tomato-infused twist. If you’re looking for an exact dupe of Popeye’s version, indulge your Popeyes cravings with our Homemade Popeyes Red Beans and Rice.
This recipe features creamy red beans with just enough creole seasoning to give it that Louisiana flair. The beans are topped with rich, seasoned rice that gives the dish texture and a burst of flavor. Bonus: This recipe is incredibly budget-friendly and is a great way to stretch your dollars. We kept our recipe simple, using canned beans like Popeyes and including just the basics. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make dinner or a decadent side dish for your next Southern-style meal, give this recipe a shot. Let’s discover how to make this classic side dish that the entire family will adore.
The Origination of Red Beans and Rice
Red Beans and Rice has deep roots in Louisiana culture. This simple dish was homemakers’ favorite laundry day meal, and it was often started in the morning, using dried beans. As any Southern cook knows, dried beans take forever and a day to cook, giving these housewives plenty of time to complete their daily chores.
Red Beans and Rice quickly became popular due to its simple and frugal ingredients. After all, most people can acquire red beans, rice, and a few seasonings. The recipe ebbs and flows, giving chefs plenty of flexibility to tailor the dish to fit their needs. The bare-bones version of Red Beans and Rice included rice, beans, salt, and a ham bone, but other variations include two or three types of meat, tomatoes, and garlic.
Louisianans are addicted to Red Beans and Rice, so much so that it was declared an official state food in the 2000s. Today, you’ll find it served all over the nation! Red Beans and Rice are seen as a Southern staple, and restaurants like Popeyes and Cracker Barrel offer the recipe to play into their down-home aesthetic. The next time you make a soulful pot of Red Beans and Rice, take a moment to remember its rich history.
Cost to Make Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Though Popeyes Red Beans and Rice contains frugal ingredients, it’s nowhere near as cost-effective as making it yourself. A regular-sized cup of Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice will cost you $3.79. In contrast, you can serve the whole family our Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice for just $3.40.
Keep in mind that this total can vary based on where you’re located and ingredient availability. Here’s how that breaks down:
- Uncooked white long-grain rice: $0.50
- Butter: $0.17
- Chicken bouillon seasoning: $0.10
- Bacon grease or butter: $0.50
- Red beans: $2.00
- Creole seasoning: $0.10
- Liquid smoke: $0.03
Grand Total: $3.40
Wow! That price difference is enough to make any Red Beans and Rice fan jump for joy. And the best part is that our dupe tastes exactly like Popeye’s version.
Steps to Make the Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Here’s how to make a family-sized batch of Homemade Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice.
Step One: Make the Rice
Add the water, rice, and butter to a large saucepan set over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove from the heat and stir in the chicken bouillon seasoning.
Step Two: Make the Beans
Place the bacon grease, red beans, creole seasoning, and liquid smoke in a large saucepan set over medium-low heat. Use a potato masher to break up the beans, leaving some of them whole. Let the beans simmer for 20 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat.
To serve, add a hearty helping of beans to a bowl, topped with a scoop of seasoned rice. Enjoy!
What to Serve With Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Our Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice is excellent on its own, but you can always add a garnish of green onions and a side of cornbread.
Storing Leftover Homemade Popeyes Red Beans and Rice
You can store leftover Homemade Popeyes Red Beans and Rice in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for up to five months.
The Addictive Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Are you in the mood for an authentic Southern recipe? If so, you’ll want to bookmark our Homemade Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice. Everyone knows the restaurant chain has Southern cooking dialed in, and now you can recreate the experience in your own home. This recipe features smoky beans topped with perfectly seasoned rice. It’s a great addition to any fried chicken meal or frugal dinner to stretch your dollars.
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups white long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon seasoning
- 3 tablespoons bacon grease or butter
- 2 cans red beans (15-ounce)
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke
Add the water, rice, and butter to a large saucepan set over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Remove from the heat and stir in the chicken bouillon seasoning.
Place the bacon grease, red beans, creole seasoning, and liquid smoke in a large saucepan set over medium-low heat.
Use a potato masher to break up the beans, leaving some of them whole. Let the beans simmer for 20 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat.
To serve, add a hearty helping of beans to a bowl, topped with a scoop of seasoned rice. Enjoy!
Should you drain the red beans before adding them?
Hi David, no you need the liquid. Thanks for asking!
This is the closest to real Popeye’s of any recipe I’ve tried in 20 years.