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Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice: Effortless New Orleans Comfort

A close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, dark slow cooker red beans and rice mixed with sliced smoked sausage.
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Create authentic, rich Cajun Red Beans and Rice with minimal effort using your slow cooker. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers tender beans and deep flavor, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed (soaked overnight or use 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 pound smoked Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, place the rinsed beans in the slow cooker. If you did not soak them, add an extra 1 cup of broth.
  2. Add the sliced Andouille sausage, onion, celery, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth.
  4. Stir in the thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the bay leaf.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beans are very tender.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, remove and discard the bay leaf. If the mixture is too thin, remove the lid and let it cook on high for the last 30 minutes to thicken slightly. Mash about 1 cup of the beans against the side of the pot to create a creamier texture.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve the red beans hot over mounds of cooked white rice.

Notes

  • For a more traditional flavor, substitute the Andouille sausage with a smoked ham hock; remove the meat from the bone before serving and shred it back into the beans.
  • This recipe freezes well, making it excellent for meal prep.
  • Serve with a side of crusty French bread or cornbread for dipping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/slow-cooker-red-beans-and-rice/