Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice, 8 oz — Mildly Spiced Family Side for the Shared Kitchen Table
Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice, 8 oz — Mildly Spiced Family Side for the Shared Kitchen Table
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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 red beans and rice mild enough for kids to eat?
Yes. Most parents describe the spice level as flavorful but not hot, and picky eaters regularly finish the dish when served as instructed.
Can I sneak in extra vegetables without kids noticing?
Yes. Finely diced bell pepper, onion, or carrot can be sautéed before adding the mix, and the savory Creole seasoning tends to mask the added texture.
Is this a quick dinner option for busy school nights?
Yes. At 25 minutes start to finish, and with only one pot to manage, it fits comfortably into a homework-and-bedtime routine.
Can my older kid make this independently on a hot plate?
Yes. The method is simple enough for a teen to follow (boil water, stir in mix, simmer covered), and the one-pot format keeps it safe and low-mess.
Does it work as a leftover lunch the next day?
Yes. It reheats well in a microwave or saucepan and holds its texture, making it an easy pack-along lunch for school.
Is this a good meal to feed unexpected playdate guests?
Yes. One 8 oz box stretches into a larger meal by adding extra brown rice, canned tomatoes, pinto beans, or whatever protein you have on hand, so it scales gracefully when the table grows.
Will my picky eater actually finish this dish?
Many parents report success with picky eaters specifically because the rice is well-seasoned but not spicy, and the texture is familiar (soft rice with tender beans).
Is it a safe dish for younger kids to eat?
Yes. The finished dish is soft, mild, and not a choking concern for kids who are already eating rice and beans. As with any hot food, allow it to cool to a safe temperature before serving.
How does this compare to making red beans and rice from scratch for a family?
From-scratch versions take 2 to 4 hours of active and passive cooking, which is rarely realistic on a school night. This mix gives a similar flavor in 25 minutes, which is the right tradeoff for a family routine.
How does it compare to a kid-friendly boxed mac and cheese as a weeknight side?
Mac and cheese is faster but offers less protein and fewer vegetables. This mix is a step up nutritionally while still being quick, easy, and kid-approved for most families.
Can I make it ahead for the week and reheat it for school lunches?
Yes. It reheats well in the microwave and stays moist for 3 to 4 days refrigerated, making it a reliable lunch-prep option.
Will it stain clothes or tablecloths if spilled?
The dish can stain light fabrics the way any tomato- or paprika-based food can. A standard wash cycle with a stain remover typically handles it.
Can I serve it to kids who don't like spicy food?
Yes. The base recipe is generally well within the comfort zone of non-spicy eaters. You can further soften the flavor with a small amount of butter or shredded cheese on top.
Is this a good way to introduce beans to a reluctant eater?
Yes. The beans are soft and well-incorporated into the rice, and the savory seasoning typically makes them more appealing than plain beans.
Does it work as a Sunday dinner main dish for the whole family?
Yes. It can be served as a vegetarian main or paired with a simple protein (sausage, roasted chicken) for a more traditional Sunday supper.
Is the cook method safe enough for a kitchen with younger siblings around?
Yes, with normal stovetop supervision. There is no open flame beyond the burner, no hot oil, and no sharp tools required beyond a spoon and a cutting board for any added vegetables.
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.
