Description
A comforting and easy Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice recipe that’s perfect for weeknights. Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, this hands-off dish is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dried red beans, rinsed and picked over
- 1 pound smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Soak dried red beans overnight or use the quick soak method. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- 2. Add drained beans to your slow cooker. Layer sausage, chopped onion, bell peppers, and celery over the beans.
- 3. Scatter minced garlic, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt over the vegetables.
- 4. Pour chicken or vegetable broth over all ingredients. Stir gently to combine.
- 5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until beans are tender.
- 6. Remove bay leaf. Mash some beans against the side for a thicker consistency, if desired.
- 7. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- 8. Serve hot over cooked white rice, garnished with parsley and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked beans (without rice) for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (varies with sausage and rice)
- Sugar: Approximately 5-8g
- Sodium: Approximately 700-1000mg (varies with sausage and broth)
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 60-70g
- Fiber: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g