Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice, 8 oz — Gentle Meatless Monday Dinner for Plant-Forward Routines
Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice, 8 oz — Gentle Meatless Monday Dinner for Plant-Forward Routines
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Why you'll love it
- Trusted heritage brand (Zatarain's, founded 1889) delivers authentic Louisiana flavor without a plane ticket
- Just-add-water stovetop method is faster and easier than cooking beans from scratch
- Shelf-stable box stores indefinitely in the pantry for spontaneous meals
- Affordable price point (typically under $3) fits tight grocery budgets
- Versatile base accepts added proteins (sausage, chicken, shrimp) to stretch into a full meal
- Vegetarian-friendly recipe base suitable for Meatless Monday meals
- Rice cooks perfectly — not too salty or too spicy
- Works well as a side dish when instructions are simply followed
- Highly praised spice blend quality by picky eaters
- Successfully fed and impressed guests as an easy, quick meal
- Good base flavor that can be enhanced with custom seasonings
Perfect for
- Quick 25-minute weeknight side dish paired with grilled or roasted meat
- Authentic one-pot New Orleans-style meal with added andouille sausage or ham
- Shelf-stable pantry staple for emergency meals or last-minute dinner
- Camping or RV dinner base that only requires water and a stovetop
- Budget-friendly Monday red beans tradition meal
- Stretching a meal for unexpected guests by adding extra brown rice, canned tomatoes, pinto beans, and spices
- Used as a 'fill-in' Subscribe & Save item to unlock max savings
- Standalone meatless meal when preferred
- Appetite-restoring meal for people recovering from illness
Made with Real Vegetables
We insist on good ingredients, because good ingredients make great flavor. In all our products, including our Rice Mixes, we use real vegetables, like onions and bell peppers, for a taste of The Big Easy in every bite.
Cajun-Creole Spices for Authentic Flavor
At Zatarain’s, we’ve been keeping it real since 1889. Our Rice Mixes contain no added MSG*. We use flavorful Cajun-Creole spices, such as paprika, red pepper and turmeric, to add the authentic tastes of New Orleans.
*Except those naturally occurring glutamates.
Prepared and On The Table In Less than 30 Minutes
Zatarain’s Rice Mixes are the perfect choice for busy families. They’re affordable, quick & easy to prepare and offer plenty of flavor variety. Add desired protein for a delicious one-pot meal solution that’s ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
Make It Your Own
Jazz up our Rice Mixes with the addition of chopped vegetables – bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, tomatoes … the possibilities are endless. You can make it a complete meal by adding smoked sausage, ham, cooked chicken, cooked ground beef, shrimp or canned beans.
Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice Dinner Mix
Red beans & rice is a quintessential New Orleans dish traditionally prepared on Mondays, when a long stovetop simmer gave households time to do laundry. Today, home cooks rely on Zatarain’s Red Beans & Rice Mix to prepare this classic in a fraction of the time, any day of the week.
Zatarain's Yellow Rice Mix
Yellow rice, or arroz amarillo in Spanish, is a staple in Latin American cuisine. It is served as a simple side dish or, more famously, cooked with chicken and other ingredients to create arroz con pollo. Zatarain’s Yellow Rice Mix is your flavorful shortcut to quick weeknight meals.
Zatarain's Gumbo Mix
Gumbo is a rich and flavorful melting pot, just like its soulful hometown. With Zatarain’s Gumbo Mix, you can easily prepare this Big Easy classic – just add cooked chicken, smoked sausage or seafood to our mix of long grain rice in a seasoned roux with red and green bell peppers.
Ingredients Enriched Long Grain Parboiled Rice (Rice, Iron, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid), Red Beans, Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Salt, Onion, Yeast Extract, Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Red and Green Bell Pepper, Malted Barley Flour, Garlic, Potassium Chloride, Spices (Including Paprika, Red Pepper), Citric Acid, Extractives of Paprika & Natural Flavor. Directions Stovetop: 1. In A 2 Quart Saucepan Combine 3 1/4 Cups Water, 1 Tablespoon Butter Or Margarine (Optional) And Zatarain's Red Beans And Rice. Stir Thoroughly And Bring To Boil. 2. Stir, Reduce Heat, Cover And Simmer Over Low Heat For 25 Minutes. Stir Occasionally To Prevent Sticking. 3. Remove From Heat, Let Stand 5 Minutes. Stir And Serve. Red Beans And Rice Will Be Saucy. For A Less Saucy Product Reduce Water By 1/4 Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a vegetarian-friendly meal option for Meatless Monday?
Yes. The base mix is fully vegetarian as packaged, so it works as a standalone meatless meal or as a Meatless Monday side dish.
Can I eat this when I'm recovering from a cold or upset stomach?
Many people find rice and beans a gentle, easy-to-digest meal during recovery. The dish is mild enough to be tolerable, and you can skip the optional butter for a lighter version.
Does it fit into a balanced, plant-forward eating routine?
Yes. The combination of long grain rice and red beans provides plant-based protein and complex carbs, making it a sensible base for a wellness-focused plate.
Is the sodium level reasonable for a low-sodium diet?
The mix does contain a traditional Creole seasoning blend with salt. If you are on a strict low-sodium plan, you can cook with the recommended water and then drain off any excess, or pair it with plenty of fresh vegetables to balance the plate.
Can I make it more nourishing by adding vegetables?
Yes. Diced bell pepper, onion, celery, spinach, or kale can be sautéed before adding the water and mix, which boosts fiber and micronutrients without changing the method.
Is this a soothing meal for a wind-down evening ritual?
Yes. The slow simmer and warm, savory aroma create a calming cooking experience, and the finished dish is hearty without being heavy.
Can I serve this as a comfort meal to a family member who is unwell?
Yes. It is mild, warm, and easy to portion, which makes it a thoughtful option to bring to someone recovering at home.
Does it support a mindful, low-effort cooking practice?
Yes. With only water, one pot, and a single 25-minute step, the recipe encourages a present, unhurried cooking process that fits well into a mindfulness routine.
How does this compare to plain white rice for a wellness-focused meal?
Plain white rice is gentler on the stomach but lacks protein and flavor. This mix adds red beans for plant protein and a balanced Creole seasoning, making it more satisfying while still being easy to digest.
How does it compare to canned soup as a recovery meal?
Canned soup is faster to heat but typically higher in sodium and lower in protein. This mix gives you a warm, balanced rice-and-beans bowl in a similar amount of active time.
Is this a low-effort way to add more beans to my diet?
Yes. Red beans are a good source of plant protein and fiber, and this mix removes the overnight soaking step that often keeps people from cooking them from scratch.
Can I customize it to reduce spice for a sensitive stomach?
Yes. The heat level is moderate, and you can reduce the perceived spice by topping with plain Greek yogurt or a mild cheese instead of hot sauce.
Does it support a Sunday meal prep for the week ahead?
Yes. It holds well in the fridge and reheats cleanly, which fits a wellness routine that values consistency and minimal midweek effort.
Is this a complete meal on its own without adding meat?
Yes. The rice-and-bean combination is filling enough to serve as a full vegetarian main course for lunch or dinner.
Can I serve it as part of a balanced plate with greens?
Yes. It pairs very well with a simple side salad or sautéed greens to round out the meal nutritionally.
Is this suitable for someone transitioning to less meat in their diet?
Yes. It serves as a flavorful, satisfying vegetarian main, and you can gradually add small amounts of meat (sausage, chicken) when you want to ease into flexitarian eating.
How do I cook Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice on the stovetop?
Bring 2-1/4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter (optional) to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir in the rice mix, return to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I make this in a rice cooker or Instant Pot instead of on the stovetop?
Stovetop is the method listed on the box. Some buyers report success adapting it in a rice cooker using the same water-to-mix ratio, but for consistent results, follow the printed stovetop instructions.
How long does the dry mix last in my pantry?
Because the box is sealed and shelf-stable, the dry mix stores indefinitely when kept in a cool, dry place. Always check the printed best-by date on the package for the manufacturer's recommendation.
Does this work with andouille sausage, ham, or other added proteins?
Yes. Pre-cooked andouille sausage, diced ham, shredded chicken, shrimp, or ground beef all pair well. Cook the protein separately and stir it in during the last 5 to 10 minutes of simmer so it heats through without overcooking.
Is this product vegetarian as packaged?
Yes. The dry mix is vegetarian as sold. The savory depth comes from hydrolyzed soy protein and yeast extract rather than any added meat, so it works for Meatless Monday and vegetarian diets as is.
What's in the box, and what do I need to buy separately?
The 8 oz box contains the dry rice, red beans, and Creole/Cajun seasoning blend. You need to supply water (2-1/4 cups) and optionally butter. Everything else you might add (sausage, vegetables, hot sauce) is optional and not required.
Is the packaging safe and sealed for long-term pantry storage?
Yes. The dry mix is packed in a sealed inner pouch inside the outer box, which keeps out moisture and air. As long as the pouch is intact, the mix stays fresh in the pantry.
Is this product safe for people with common food allergies?
The mix contains soy (hydrolyzed soy protein) and wheat ingredients from the enriched rice. Always review the printed ingredient list for the latest allergen information before consuming if you have specific sensitivities.
What's the difference between red beans and rice and just plain rice with beans?
Plain rice and beans is a neutral, unseasoned combination. Red beans and rice in the Louisiana tradition is defined by its Creole/Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, red pepper, bell pepper, garlic) and the slow-simmered integration of beans into the rice, which is exactly what this mix delivers in a fraction of the time.
