Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice

Crock pot red beans and rice is a super easy version of the classic Creole dish. Smoky andouille sausage, red beans, a blend of zesty spices, and a rich broth come together in the crock pot to create classic flavor for your next lunch, dinner, or potluck.

Red beans and rice is one of the most iconic recipes to ever come out of Louisiana. This classic Creole dish is rich, meaty, and smoky. I love making it, especially this crock pot version. It takes the classic dish and makes it incredibly easy and convenient.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It uses simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store.
• It's an easy recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
• It's a great dinner or addition to any potluck.
• It's a budget-friendly meal made with inexpensive ingredients.
• It freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

• Dried red beans
• Andouille sausage - sliced ¼-inch thick
• Chicken broth
• Yellow onion - diced
• Green bell pepper - cored and diced
• Garlic - minced
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Cooked rice

See the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.

How to Make Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice

1: Soak the beans, rinse them, and add them to a crockpot.

2: Add the rest of the ingredients, stir, and cook until the beans are tender.

3: Serve over rice and enjoy.

Hint

Soak the beans for at least an hour to facilitate their cooking. You can soak them longer if you have the time.

Recipe Tips

• Be sure to rinse and sort your beans to remove any debris or bad beans.
• Soak your beans for at least an hour to reduce the cooking time. Soaking them longer reduces the cooking time further.
• For a thicker sauce, add a slurry of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and water.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables, such as diced carrots or celery, to make up for the missing meat.
• For a smokier flavor, add a few slices of bacon to the slow cooker along with the sausage.
• Add extra vegetables, such as okra or corn, to the crock pot for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
• While anouille sausage is the classic sausage, any smoked sausage will work well.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice

This is a classic dish that's a full meal itself. Round it out with your favorite bread and a nice dessert for a delicoius, hearty meal.

Storage

Refrigerate the beans in an air-tight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months in an air-tight container or heavy-duty, freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat the beans, place them in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until heated through.