Description
There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of creamy, slow-cooked red beans. This easy crock-pot recipe brings Southern flavors to your table with smoky andouille sausage, tender red beans, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hands-off dish delivers a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a classic Southern experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound dried kidney beans
- 1.5 pounds smoked andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1.5 cups chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4–6 cups chicken stock (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (for spice)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the andouille sausage until browned. This step enhances the flavor. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker – In a large slow cooker, combine the dried red beans, chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and tomato sauce.
- Add Seasonings & Stock – Stir in the Cajun seasoning, cumin, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chicken stock. Add the browned sausage.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally.
- Mash for Creaminess – For a thicker consistency, mash some beans against the side of the slow cooker and stir.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve – Add salt in the last hour of cooking. Serve hot over cooked white rice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Skip Soaking: No need to pre-soak the beans; slow cooking brings out their natural creaminess.
- For Extra Creaminess: Stir occasionally and mash some beans. You can also mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes.
- Choosing Sausage: Andouille sausage provides smoky heat, but turkey sausage or kielbasa are great milder alternatives.
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: slow cooker red beans, creamy red beans, crock-pot red beans, Cajun red beans and rice