Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice, 8 oz — Efficient One-Pot Lunch for the Remote Workday
Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice, 8 oz — Efficient One-Pot Lunch for the Remote Workday
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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
Can I start this rice and beans mix between meetings and have it ready by dinner?
Yes. Total active time is only a few minutes, and the full dish is done in 25 minutes. You can start it after a late call and have a hot meal on the table before the next task begins.
Does it require constant stirring or active monitoring?
No. Once you bring the water and mix to a boil, reduce to a low simmer, cover, and let it cook. The 25-minute window is mostly hands-off, so you can keep working while it cooks.
Is this a good option to keep in my office-adjacent pantry for lunch breaks?
Yes. As long as you have a stovetop, hot plate, or induction burner nearby, it makes a fast, hot lunch between deep work blocks.
Can I prep it in advance and reheat it during a busy week?
Yes. It reheats well in a covered saucepan with a splash of water, or in a microwave-safe container. Many buyers batch it on Sunday for fast weekday lunches.
Does the cooking process create strong odors that could distract from work or shared office space?
The aroma is savory and noticeable while cooking but is not overpowering or lingering. In a typical apartment or home office it dissipates within a short time.
Is this a good study-break meal for college students with a tight schedule?
Yes. With just a saucepan, water, and 25 minutes, it fits between class blocks, lab sessions, or study sprints.
Can I rely on this as a default meal when I don't have time to plan?
Yes. Because the box is shelf-stable and the method is identical every time, it works well as a no-decision backup meal on packed days.
Does it help me avoid takeout when I'm in a productivity crunch?
Yes. At typically under $3 per box, it is meaningfully cheaper and faster than ordering delivery, and it solves the 'nothing planned for dinner' problem in one pan.
How does this compare to instant rice cups for a time-crunched buyer?
Instant rice cups are faster (about 90 seconds) but lack the integrated beans and Creole seasoning. This mix delivers a complete, flavored one-pot dish for only a few extra minutes of cook time.
Is it faster than ordering food delivery after a long workday?
Yes. Delivery typically takes 30 to 60 minutes door-to-door. This mix is plated in 25 minutes from start to finish and costs a fraction of the price.
Can I use this as a Subscribe & Save item to automate a routine part of my grocery list?
Yes. It is a compact, shelf-stable, single-purpose item that works well as a recurring Subscribe & Save line to unlock max savings and remove one decision from your weekly shop.
Is it loud or distracting to cook (sizzling, popping, etc.)?
No. Simmering covered, it is quiet enough to run in the background while you take a call or finish a task, with no popping or splatter.
Will cleanup slow down my evening routine?
No. Cooking in a single 2-quart saucepan means only one pot and one spoon to wash, so cleanup is typically under five minutes.
Can I pair it with a pre-cooked protein for an even faster meal?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked shrimp, or sliced smoked sausage can be stirred in during the last few minutes of simmer for a complete meal without adding meaningful cook time.
Does it help me stretch one meal into lunch the next day?
Yes. One 8 oz box makes enough for two generous side portions or one large main portion, so it doubles as next-day lunch with no extra cooking required.
Is this a good base for a meal prep Sunday routine?
Yes. It scales easily, holds well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, and reheats cleanly, making it a reliable component in a Sunday meal prep plan.
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.
