Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the Sausage: Slice the andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
