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Crockpot Red Beans and Rice

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A rich and hearty Creole classic made easy in the crockpot — this Red Beans and Rice recipe features tender kidney beans, smoky sausage, and the aromatic ‘holy trinity’ of onion, celery, and bell pepper, slow-cooked to perfection and served over fluffy rice.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) dried red or kidney beans, rinsed and sorted
  • 12 oz (340 g) smoked Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
  • 1 tbsp Creole or Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Rinse and sort the dried beans, removing any debris. If using kidney beans, you may boil them for 10 minutes beforehand to ensure safety.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage slices until golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet (optional step) and sauté briefly to soften, then add to the slow cooker.
  4. Add the beans, broth, Creole seasoning, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the beans are tender and creamy.
  6. For a thicker texture, mash a small portion of the beans in the pot and stir back in, or cook uncovered for the final 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired. Remove bay leaf before serving.
  8. Serve warm over cooked white rice, garnished with chopped green onions or a splash of hot sauce.

Notes

  • Soaking beans overnight can reduce cook time, but is optional.
  • Vegetarian version: skip sausage and use vegetable broth plus smoked paprika for flavor.
  • For extra smokiness, use ham hocks or smoked turkey wings instead of sausage.
  • Adjust heat level with more or less Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.
  • Flavors deepen after resting — leftovers often taste better the next day.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/crockpot-red-beans-and-rice/