Description

This Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy beans, smoky sausage, and a blend of spices. With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a delicious, hands-off weeknight dinner. Serve over rice for a satisfying and filling dish!

Ingredients

1 lb dried red beans

1 (14 oz) smoked or andouille sausage (sliced ¼ inch thick)

8 cups chicken broth

1 medium yellow onion (diced)

1 medium green bell pepper (cored and diced)

3 tsp garlic (minced)

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning

3 cups cooked rice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Soak the beans: Soak the dried beans for at least 1 hour, then rinse them thoroughly.
Prepare the slow cooker: Add the soaked beans to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add ingredients: Add the sausage, chicken broth, diced onion, green bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors are well combined.
Serve: Serve the cooked beans and sausage mixture over the cooked rice.

Notes

Vegetarian version: Omit the sausage and substitute with more veggies or plant-based sausage.

Make it spicier: Adjust cayenne and chili powder to your desired heat level. Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños if you like extra heat.

For a creamier texture: Mash some beans halfway through or stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American, Southern