Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

This easy Popeyes red beans and rice recipe combines tender red beans, fluffy long-grain rice, smoky ham hock, and just the right blend of Cajun spices to create the ultimate Southern-style side dish. For such a simple recipe, the flavor is unbelievably rich and smoky—just like the classic from Popeyes. This recipe delivers the same spot-on flavor and reliable results as my Popeyes mashed potatoes with cajun gravy—so you know it's a winner for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or any time you’re craving comfort food.

Why This Is The Best Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Recipe

If you've ever had Popeye's red beans and rice before, then you know it's one of the hidden gems on the menu. For what it's worth, it's easily one of my favorite things to get from the popular restaurant chain, hence the inspiration to recreate it.

And, I'll be honest, I think I did a pretty good job. I mean, this red beans and rice recipe is loaded with tons of flavor from the ham hocks, spices, and melted butter, and it tastes just like the one from the restaurant. In fact, it might even be better.

Plus, in addition to tasting great, this copycat Popeyes recipe is so easy to whip up. All you have to do is cook the ham hocks until they're fall off the bone tender, then blend 'em up with the beans and top 'em off with some fluffy white rice. It's seriously that easy.

Oh, and my favorite part about this recipe is it's basically all passive cooking. So, while the red beans and rice are simmering on the stovetop, you can whip up something to go with them, like these copycat Popeyes biscuits or this Popeyes chicken sandwich. That way, you get the full restaurant experience.

Ingredients Needed

• Beans- canned red beans. Red kidney beans, pinto beans, or even black bean work too.
• Smoked ham hock or bacon- Popeye's actually doesn't have meat in their rice and beans recipe, but I think it takes it to another level!
• Water
• Onion powder and garlic powder- for a savory flavor.
• Red pepper flakes- to add a little heat.
• Butter- or lard.
• Salt and pepper- to taste
• Rice- cooked long-grain rice- for serving.

By the way, if you have any ham hocks left over, then I definitely suggest you make these butter beans or these Great Northern beans next! They're two more of my favorite bean recipes.

How To Make Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

Step 1: Cook The Beans And Ham

First, you'll begin by placing the beans into a large saucepot with the ham hock and water. Oh, and make sure to reserve 4 ounces of your canned red beans to use later.

Anyway, once you've added the beans, ham, and water to the pot, simmer it on medium heat for about an hour or until the meat loosens from the bone.

After the hour is up and the meat starts to easily pull away from the bone, take the ham hock out of the pot of beans and carefully remove all of the meat from the bone.

Step 2: Make The Bean Mixture

Now that the meat is ready, you can transfer it to a food processor along with the cooked beans. Then, add onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to the food processor.

Next, you'll want to turn on the food processor for only about 3-4 seconds, just enough to pulse the ingredients and combine everything. Then you can add the remaining 4 ounces of beans that you set aside earlier and process for another 2 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't have a food processor, a potato masher will do the job pretty well. Just add all of your ingredients to your pot and mash them up until combined but not smooth. You want some chunks to replicate the classic texture in this copycat Popeye's red beans and rice recipe.

Step 3: Serve The Red Beans and Rice

Once the bean mixture is combined, you can place the bean mixture back into the pot and cook on low until it's fully warmed through. Then, finally, serve your red beans warm with a bed of cooked fluffy white rice on top. Enjoy!

What To Serve With Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

This copycat Popeyes red beans and rice recipe is hearty on its own, but it’s even better with classic Southern and Cajun-inspired sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Fried chicken: For the ultimate Popeyes-inspired meal, serve alongside crispy fried chicken. I love eating it with this fried chicken without buttermilk.
• Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread balances the savory, smoky beans perfectly. It goes really well with this Southern fried cornbread. 
• Collard greens or green beans: A lighter, veggie-forward side that adds freshness to the plate. You can throw make these sauteed frozen green beans for a quick side.
• Macaroni and cheese: Creamy and cheesy, it pairs well with smoky beans. Serve it with this Popeyes mac and cheese for the full fast-food experience.
• Fried catfish or shrimp: Add a seafood twist for a full Southern comfort food spread.

How To Store and Reheat Red Beans and Rice

This recipe for Popeyes red beans and rice makes 4 servings, so it should be just enough for a big family dinner. However, if you end up with leftovers, then consider yourself lucky because this red beans and rice dish tastes great the next day.

You can technically store the cooked beans and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. That said, five days is on the upper end of the shelf life of cooked ham and cooked rice, so you'll want to eat your leftovers within a few days.

To reheat your cooked beans and rice, I recommend using your stovetop. Simply transfer everything to a saucepot over medium heat and let the beans and rice simmer for a few minutes - stirring occasionally -until everything reaches your desired temperature.

Alternatively, you can use your microwave to warm them up even quicker. Just microwave the two together in 30-second intervals.

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice FAQs

What is Popeyes red beans and rice made of?

The classic Popeyes red beans and rice recipe is made with red beans slow-cooked in pork fat, seasonings, and smoky spices. The beans are mashed slightly to create a creamy texture, then served with fluffy white rice. My copycat version stays true to the flavor while being easy to recreate at home.

Is there meat in Popeyes red beans and rice?

While the original Popeyes red beans and rice recipe doesn't have meat in it, it does have bacon fat, so it's not considered vegetarian. My spin on this recipe is using ham hock as the meat since I think it really goes well with all of the other elements in this dish.

Is Popeyes red beans and rice healthy?

Nutritionally, red beans are packed with nutrients. They are high in protein, fiber, and plant-based nutrients, but the fast-food version from Popeyes isn’t considered low-calorie. A small serving has around 250 calories and over 15 grams of fat due to the added pork fat. Making this recipe at home allows you to adjust the seasonings and fat content to suit your dietary needs.

Can I make Popeyes red beans and rice vegetarian?

Yes. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the bacon fat or ham hock and use olive oil or butter instead. For smokiness without meat, add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. You’ll still get that iconic copycat Popeyes red beans flavor without animal products.

More Copycat Recipes

If you're looking for more easy copycat recipes from your favorite fast food restaurants, then we've got you covered! We have a ton more on the blog for you to check out next.

Here are some of our most popular copycat recipes:

• Chipotle cilantro lime rice
• Popeyes cajun rice
• Chick Fil A mac and cheese
• Chick-Fil-A nuggets
• Wendy's chili
• Texas Roadhouse rolls
• Panera strawberry poppyseed salad
• Popeye's cajun fries