If you're in search of a hearty, convenient, and incredibly flavorful meal, look no further. My Louisiana style slow cooker Red Beans & Rice is a dish that marries the convenience of a slow cooker and the bold, rich flavors of Cajun cuisine.
Recipe Video Here!
This classic dish is a testament to the vibrant food culture of Louisiana, where the flavors are robust, and the hospitality is warm. The best part? It's not just delicious; it's a healthy and wholesome choice that's perfect for the entire family.
The Convenience of a Slow Cooker:
One of the main appeals of this recipe is the set-it-and-forget-it nature of a slow cooker. Simply add your quick boiled red beans, smoked sausage, veggies, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock, set it to cook, and let it work its magic. This method not only infuses the dish with deep, smoky flavors but also leaves you with perfectly tender beans that are sure to satisfy.
This is the slow cooker I use, it's inexpensive and has been working like a dream since I got it!
Healthy and Wholesome:
Red beans and rice are not just delicious; they're a nutritious duo. Red beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Paired with smoked sausage, they create a balanced and protein-rich meal. The addition of aromatic vegetables adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, while the Cajun seasoning elevates the dish with a fiery kick that's heart-healthy.
Slow Cooker Red Beans & Rice Recipe
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
For the Red Beans:
1 pound dried red kidney beans, quick soaked
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 bay leaves
3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
6 cups chicken broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
Sliced green onions
Hot Sauce
Mayo (yes, we put about 1/2 tablespoon of mayo in our bowl, I have no idea why but it's good)
Directions:
Quick soak the kidney beans by adding them to boiling water and boiling for 10 minutes; this removes the lectin in the beans that can seriously upset your stomach. Very important to do this first! If you can, soak them in water overnight, but either way works fine.
Strain the beans out of the water and add to the slow cooker along with the sausage, onion, garlic, bell pepper, spices, herbs, and chicken stock.
Cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 7-8 hours (beans can vary in cook time based on how long you soaked them, how hot your slow cooker gets, and the beans themselves).
30 minutes before you're ready to eat, prepare your white rice.
Taste for seasoning and remove about 1 cup of cooked beans from the slow cooker, mash with a fork, return to the pot and stir to create a creamy consistency you'd miss out on since this isn't stirred regularly like a stove top red beans.
Serve the red beans with a scoop of steamed rice on top and sprinkle with sliced green onions.
My family adds about 1/2 tablespoon of mayo to our red beans and rice, I have no idea where this originated or why but it's good and I can't eat red beans and rice without it... try it? You might like it.
Slow cooker red beans and rice are a taste of pure comfort. The velvety beans, the smoky sausage, and the spicy Cajun flavors combine to create a warm and satisfying bowl of goodness. Served over a bed of fluffy white rice, each bite is a journey through the heart of Louisiana cuisine.
My Slow Cooker Red Beans & Rice is one of my family's culinary treasures. It offers the convenience of slow cooking, the wholesomeness of hearty ingredients, and delicious comfort. This dish is not just a meal; it's a taste of tradition, a slice of Louisiana hospitality, and a flavorful adventure for your palate. So, whether you're serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a cozy evening in, savor every spoonful of this Cajun comfort that's as convenient as it is delicious.
I hope you give this family recipe a try! If you do, I always love to hear and see how my recipes work for you! You can tag me in stories, posts, or DM me on Instagram and TikTok @LizaHomesteads!
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