Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice is a classic, comforting dish from Louisiana that has been a favorite for generations. This fulfilling meal is rich in flavor and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a family gathering. The magic happens in the slow cooker, where dried red beans, spices, and smoked sausage meld together to create a creamy, hearty dish. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
This slow-cooked red beans and rice recipe is packed with flavor and convenience. Here’s why it stands out:
- Minimal prep time with maximum flavor.
- Perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
- Healthy slow cooker red beans and rice meal option.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Versatile; can be made vegetarian or with sausage.
- A comforting dish that fills the home with amazing aromas.
This dish embodies the essence of Louisiana cuisine and is a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal without the fuss.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
Gather these items:
- 1 lb dried small red beans (not kidney beans), no need to presoak
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 celery rib, diced
- 24 oz. polska kiełbasa sausage, sliced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp. creole seasoning (Tony Chachere’s recommended)
- 2 bay leaves
These ingredients come together to create the rich flavor profile that makes this dish so beloved.
How to Make Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Chop the yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery rib into small diced pieces. Slice the polska kielbasa sausage into rounds. Measure out all spices and liquids.
- Step 2: Add the dried red beans, diced vegetables, sliced sausage, chicken broth, water, onion powder, garlic powder, creole seasoning, and bay leaves into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 6 to 7 hours. This slow, steady cooking allows the beans to soften and the flavors to meld into a rich, hearty mixture.
- Step 4: During the last 2 hours of cooking, stir the beans intermittently. This helps the beans to break down and create a creamy texture, characteristic of authentic red beans and rice.
- Step 5: Once cooked and creamy, remove the bay leaves and serve the red beans and sausage mixture over freshly cooked white rice.
This easy slow cooker red beans and rice recipe is both simple and satisfying!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
Keep these in mind:
- Perfect for a hearty family dinner with minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
- For a vegetarian slow cooker red beans and rice, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables.
- To achieve a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Freshly baked cornbread on the side.
- A light salad for a balanced meal.
It is an authentic red beans and rice in a slow cooker that can be enjoyed in various ways!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
What is slow cooker red beans and rice?
Slow cooker red beans and rice is a traditional Louisiana meal made with small red beans, sausage, and spices, cooked slowly until tender and creamy.
Can I make slow cooker red beans and rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. It reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.
How do I avoid common mistakes with slow cooker red beans and rice?
Make sure not to use kidney beans, as they require different cooking times. Stirring occasionally during the last hours helps achieve a nice creamy texture.
Variations of Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice You Can Try
Experiment with these exciting options:
- Slow cooker Cajun red beans and rice – add Cajun spices for a spicier kick.
- Vegetarian slow cooker red beans and rice – replace sausage with plant-based protein.
- Quick slow cooker red beans and rice – use canned beans for faster cooking.
Each variation offers a different taste while staying true to the dish’s comforting roots.
For more delicious slow cooker recipes, check out Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs or Healthy Crockpot Recipe.
For more information on the health benefits of beans, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice: 5 Comforting Secrets
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice recipe offers a classic, comforting dish from Louisiana.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried small red beans (not kidney beans), no need to presoak
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 celery rib, diced
- 24 oz. polska kiełbasa sausage, sliced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp. creole seasoning (Tony Chachere’s recommended)
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Chop the yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery rib into small diced pieces. Slice the polska kielbasa sausage into rounds. Measure out all spices and liquids.
- Add the dried red beans, diced vegetables, sliced sausage, chicken broth, water, onion powder, garlic powder, creole seasoning, and bay leaves into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 6 to 7 hours.
- During the last 2 hours of cooking, stir the beans intermittently.
- Once cooked and creamy, remove the bay leaves and serve the red beans and sausage mixture over freshly cooked white rice.
Notes
- Perfect for a hearty family dinner with minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Leave a Reply