You want a meal that’s stupidly easy, dirt cheap, and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen? Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice is your new best friend. This dish is the culinary equivalent of a cheat code—throw everything in, walk away, and come back to a meal that slaps.
No fancy skills, no babysitting the stove, just pure comfort food with minimal effort. And let’s be real, who has time to stir a pot for hours? If your idea of cooking is pressing buttons on a slow cooker, this recipe is for you.
Ready to make your weeknights infinitely better? Let’s go.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
First, it’s hands-off. The crock pot does 95% of the work while you binge your favorite show.
Second, it’s flavor-packed—smoky, spicy, and deeply savory, thanks to andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning, and the holy trinity (onions, bell peppers, celery). Third, it’s budget-friendly. Beans and rice cost pennies, and the rest is pantry staples.
Oh, and it’s freezer-friendly, so you can meal prep like a pro. Basically, it’s the MVP of lazy cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight)
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight. Drain and rinse them before using. (Skip this step if you enjoy crunchy beans. We don’t.)
- Brown the sausage. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced andouille until slightly crispy.
This adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip it unless you’re okay with sad, flabby sausage.
- Dump everything in the crock pot. Beans, sausage, onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic, broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5. The beans should be tender, and the broth thickened.
Fish out the bay leaf—nobody wants a surprise leaf in their mouth.
- Mash some beans. Use a spoon to smash a few against the side of the pot. This thickens the sauce. Pro move.
- Serve over rice. Garnish with green onions.
Boom. Dinner’s done.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. FYI, it tastes even better the next day—if it lasts that long.
Benefits of the Recipe
This dish is a protein powerhouse (beans + sausage = gains). It’s also high in fiber, which keeps your digestive system happy.
The slow cooking breaks down the beans, making them easier to digest. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash. And let’s not forget: it’s comfort food that doesn’t taste like sacrifice.
Win-win-win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not soaking the beans. Unless you want to spend the night regretting your life choices, soak them. Trust me.
- Overcrowding the crock pot. Leave some room for the magic to happen. Too full, and it won’t cook evenly.
- Skimping on seasoning. Cajun food is bold.
If your dish tastes bland, you didn’t add enough spice. Fix it.
- Using canned beans. They turn to mush. Dried beans hold their texture better.
IMO, it’s worth the extra step.
Alternatives
No andouille? Use smoked sausage or even bacon. Vegetarian?
Skip the meat and add liquid smoke for that depth. Out of chicken broth? Vegetable broth works fine.
Not a fan of spice? Dial back the Cajun seasoning. Want it creamier?
Stir in a little coconut milk at the end. The recipe is forgiving—make it yours.
FAQ
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Technically, yes. But the texture won’t be the same, and you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
Canned beans only need about 2 hours on low. Proceed with caution.
Why is my dish too watery?
You didn’t mash enough beans. Or you added too much broth.
Fix it by simmering uncovered for a bit or mashing more beans to thicken.
Can I make this without a crock pot?
Sure, use a Dutch oven on the stove. Simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. But where’s the fun in that?
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a kick, but you control the heat.
Reduce the Cajun seasoning or serve with cooling toppings like sour cream.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice is the ultimate lazy cook’s dream. It’s cheap, easy, and tastes like you actually tried. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers every time.
So grab your slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifting. Your future self will thank you.