Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice is a comforting, classic dish packed with spicy and savory flavors. It’s perfect for a hands-off meal that fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma. This recipe brings together tender beans and smoky sausage for a satisfying plate.

Ingredients

• 1 pound andouille sausage
• 1 pound dried small red beans
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the andouille sausage into bite-size pieces.
2. Step 2: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat, then add the sausage. Cook until browned.
3. Step 3: Add the browned sausage to the slow cooker along with dried beans, celery, bell pepper, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and Cajun seasoning.
4. Step 4: Cook in the slow cooker on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours until the beans are tender.
5. Step 5: When done, serve the red beans over cooked white rice. For a thicker sauce, mash some of the beans before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
• For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
• Swap andouille sausage for smoked sausage or kielbasa if preferred.
• Add a bay leaf during cooking for additional depth of flavor, but remember to remove before serving.
• Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make the dish vegetarian-friendly (omit sausage accordingly).

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if the mixture has thickened. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to soak the dried red beans before cooking?

Soaking the beans is not strictly necessary with a slow cooker since the long cooking time softens them, but soaking overnight can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! You can increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra Cajun seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 137 reviews

This Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender red beans simmered with smoky andouille sausage, fresh vegetables, and bold Cajun seasonings. Prepared easily in a slow cooker, this classic Louisiana-inspired meal is perfect for a flavorful dinner served over fluffy white rice.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional bean soaking time)
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun, Louisiana

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage

• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into bite-size pieces

Beans and Vegetables

• 1 pound dried small red beans
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Serving

• Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage: Slice the andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
2. Brown the Sausage: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced sausage. Cook until browned, which will enhance the flavor and texture of the sausage.
3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Add the dried red beans, chopped celery, green bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine all the flavors evenly.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours, allowing the beans to soften and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Finish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, you may mash some beans gently with the back of a spoon if you prefer a thicker sauce. Serve the red beans hot over cooked white rice for an authentic and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Soak the red beans overnight or for at least 4 hours before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
• Using andouille sausage gives a smoky flavor, but you can substitute with other smoked sausages if desired.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for preferred heat levels.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the beans after cooking.
• Leftovers store well and flavors improve after a day; refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: slow cooker red beans and rice, andouille sausage recipe, Cajun red beans, easy slow cooker dinners, Louisiana cuisine