What classic Southern dish combines red beans, rice, and sausage?

The classic Southern dish that combines red beans, rice, and sausage is red beans and rice.

Red beans and rice is strongly associated with Louisiana Creole cuisine, particularly New Orleans. The beans are traditionally simmered with onion, celery, bell pepper, herbs, spices, and pork. Andouille sausage, smoked sausage, ham, or tasso may be added, while cooked rice is served alongside or beneath the beans.

The dish became linked to Mondays in New Orleans. Sunday meals often included ham, and the leftover pork could flavor a pot of beans while Monday washday chores were underway. Although washday traditions have changed, Monday red beans specials remain common in homes and restaurants.

Red beans and rice is sometimes confused with Hoppin’ John, another Southern rice-and-legume dish traditionally made with black-eyed peas. Gumbo is a soup or stew, while jambalaya cooks rice together with meat, seafood, and vegetables. Those dishes share regional ingredients but are not the same preparation.