Though Popeyes Red Beans and Rice contains frugal ingredients, it's nowhere near as cost-effective as making it yourself. A regular-sized cup of Popeye's Red Beans and Rice will cost you $3.79.

Add onions to pot, and cook over medium, stirring often and scraping up any browned bits, until well browned, about 8 minutes. Add celery, bell pepper, Creole seasoning, black pepper, garlic, bay ...

You can serve red beans and rice as a main course, as it is a hearty dish, but it is often a side dish with fried chicken. Other sides that go with it include mac n cheese, biscuits, and coleslaw.