Description
This classic Cajun Red Beans and Rice recipe features tender red beans slow-cooked with smoky andouille sausage and a medley of aromatic vegetables. Perfectly seasoned with Creole spices, it’s a hearty, comforting dish popular in Louisiana cuisine, served over fluffy cooked rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beans and Meat
- 1 lb dried red beans (soaked overnight)
- 10 cups water
- 1 lb andouille sausage (sliced into rounds; smoked beef sausage works well too)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 2-3 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and chopped; optional)
- 8 cloves garlic (chopped; the more the better)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoons Creole seasoning (or to taste)
To Serve
- 8 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare Beans: Rinse the soaked red beans thoroughly and place them at the bottom of your slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in 10 cups of water, add the sliced sausage, chopped onions, green bell pepper, celery, jalapeno (if using), chopped garlic, and ground black pepper.
- Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker on HIGH and cook for 8 hours or until the beans are tender and creamy when bitten.
- Mash Beans: Using a potato masher, mash about one-third of the beans inside the slow cooker to thicken the mixture and enhance the creamy texture.
- Season and Serve: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of Creole seasoning to taste, then serve the red beans hot over 8 cups of cooked rice.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Adjust the amount of Creole seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Smoked beef sausage is a good alternative to andouille sausage if unavailable.
- For extra heat, include the jalapeno pepper; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 8 hours (including soaking time), 20 minutes active prep
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker on HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Louisiana Creole