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This easy red beans & rice soup takes the classic beans-and-rice combination and turns it into a warm, satisfying bowl in about 15 minutes.
Made with pantry staples like canned beans, precooked brown rice, broth, and a bold seasoning blend, it’s hearty without being heavy and simple enough for busy days. I like keeping ingredients like these on hand so a quick lunch or light dinner is never far away.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels comforting and filling, but doesn’t require much planning.
Why I Love This Red Beans and Rice Soup
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Hearty without being heavy
- Easy to portion for lunches
- Bold flavor from just a few ingredients
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chopped onion – Adds a simple flavor base for this soup. I like to keep chopped onions in the freezer for even greater speed and ease.
- Bacon – Adds smokiness and depth to this simple soup. Can be omitted for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Fat-free chicken broth – Keeps the soup light but flavorful. Vegetable broth (affiliate link) works well too.
- Jerk seasoning blend – Adds warmth and spice. You can substitute Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, taco seasoning, or a mix of thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Canned red beans – Kidney beans work well. Rinse and drain before using.
- Precooked whole-grain brown rice – Keeps this recipe fast. Leftover cooked rice works just as well.
- Fresh cilantro – Optional, but adds brightness and freshness.
Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations, each 1-cup serving has about 248 calories.
WW Points: 4
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
How to Make Easy Red Beans and Rice Soup, Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook onion and bacon for 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: While onion and bacon cooks, microwave (affiliate link) chicken broth in a microwave-safe bowl for 2 minutes on HIGH power.
Step 4: Pour hot broth and Jamaican jerk seasoning over onion and bacon mixture. Add beans to saucepan and gently mash with back of a spoon, just so the skins are broken.
Step 5: Give the mixture a stir, cover saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 6: Lower the heat, uncover saucepan and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in brown rice, cover saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Serve soup hot, sprinkled with chopped cilantro.
Step 9: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
What is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning?
Jerk seasoning typically includes spices like thyme, allspice, red pepper, garlic, and sometimes a touch of sweetness. It is known for being bold, warm, and slightly smoky.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this hearty and filling soup plain or with a dusting of fresh chopped cilantro. It would also pair well with:
- A simple arugula salad
- Cornbread or Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
- Warm crusty bread.
Make-Ahead Tips
This soup keeps well in the refrigerator and reheats nicely. Portion into containers for quick lunches during the week.
If you’ve made this Easy Jerk Spiced Red Beans with Rice Soup, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Easy Red Beans and Rice Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 bacon slices, sliced crosswise into thin strips
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) low-sodium fat-free chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Jamaican jerk seasoning, Adds warmth and spice. You can substitute Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, taco seasoning, or a mix of thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
- 1 can (16 ounces) red beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 pouch (8.8 ounces) precooked whole-grain brown rice (I used Uncle Ben's Ready Rice)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook onion and bacon for 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- While onion and bacon cooks, microwave (affiliate link)-safe bowl for 2 minutes on HIGH power.
- Pour hot broth and Jamaican jerk seasoning over onion and bacon mixture. Add beans to saucepan and gently mash with back of a spoon, just so the skins are broken.
- Give the mixture a stir, cover saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Lower the heat, uncover saucepan and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in brown rice, cover saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve soup hot, sprinkled with chopped cilantro.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 7 PointsPlus (Old plan) What is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning?
I used McCormick Gourmet brand that was made up of the following blend of ingredients: sea salt, spices (including thyme, red pepper, allspice) and sugar. It is often described as being a combination of sweet, smoky, fiery and fruity.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe source: Cooking Light 5 Ingredient 15 Minute Recipes
More WW-Friendly Soup Recipes
If you like this Jerk Seasoned Red Beans and Rice Soup, you may also like
- WW Friendly Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
A lighter take on classic gumbo with chicken and smoky sausage. - Creamy Chili Corn Chicken and Black Bean Soup
A hearty soup with chicken, corn, and black beans. - Sausage Spinach Wild Rice Soup
A comforting soup with sausage, greens, and wild rice. - Chickpea Lentil Soup
A simple plant-based soup with pantry legumes.
