Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week. This classic Louisiana recipe uses smoky andouille sausage and a mix of vegetables slow-cooked with red beans to create rich, satisfying flavors. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a true Southern experience.

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, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Then add the dried red beans, chopped celery, bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and Cajun seasoning.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook in the slow cooker on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Step 5: When ready to serve, spoon the red beans and sausage over cooked white rice. For a thicker sauce, mash some of the beans before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, soak the dried beans overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
• Adjust the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
• Try adding a smoked ham hock or bacon for additional smoky richness.
• Vegetarians can substitute sausage with smoked tofu or omit meat and add extra vegetables.

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 to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned red beans instead of dried?

Canned red beans can be used for a quicker version, but the texture and flavor may not be as rich. If using canned beans, add them in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to soak the dried beans before cooking?

Soaking is not required but recommended to reduce cooking time and help beans cook more evenly. If you skip soaking, expect longer cooking times and check beans for tenderness before serving.

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 104 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring smoky andouille sausage, tender red beans, and classic Cajun seasonings. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it combines savory ingredients slow-cooked to perfection and served over fluffy white rice for a traditional Southern-style experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage

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

Vegetables

• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans & Liquids

• 1 pound dried small red beans
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken stock

Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Serving

• Cooked white rice for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sausage: Slice the andouille sausage into bite-size pieces to allow them to distribute evenly through the beans and vegetables.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook until they are nicely browned to develop a deep, smoky flavor.
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 ingredients.
4. Cook low and slow: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 6 hours, or set it to low and cook for 8 hours. The beans will become tender and flavors meld together beautifully during this time.
5. Serve: Once the beans are cooked and tender, serve the red beans over cooked white rice. For a thicker sauce, mash some of the beans before serving to create a creamier texture.

Notes

• Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time but is not necessary in this slow cooker method.
• Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
• You can substitute smoked sausage if andouille is not available.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Keywords: Red Beans and Rice, Slow Cooker Recipe, Andouille Sausage, Cajun, Comfort Food