Description
Imagine a meal that fills your home with the smoky aroma of sausage, spices, and slow-simmered beans. Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage. This comforting, hearty meal is packed with bold flavors that only get better with time. Perfect for busy cooks, this recipe lets the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a warm, satisfying dish with your family.
Ingredients
Scale
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried small red beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1.5 lbs Andouille or Kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1.5 cups celery, chopped (about 4 stalks)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 heaping tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 3 dried bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
Optional Ingredients for Customization:
- 1/2 lb ham hock or smoked turkey leg (for deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (for extra smokiness)
- Green onions and fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (for brightness)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes for a Creole twist
Instructions
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Slice the sausage into rounds. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage (Optional for Extra Flavor)
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the sausage for 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
- Add the red beans, celery, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and all the seasonings. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Beans Are Tender
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Adjust Texture & Seasoning
- If a thicker consistency is desired, mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot over fluffy white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Add extra hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- If using canned beans, reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH and decrease liquid slightly.
- For a vegan version, replace the sausage with jackfruit, mushrooms, or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or 4 months in the freezer.
Notes
- If using canned beans, reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH and decrease liquid slightly.
- For a vegan version, replace the sausage with jackfruit, mushrooms, or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or 4 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-10 hours (depending on setting)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with rice)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Cajun red beans and rice, slow cooker red beans and rice, Louisiana red beans, crockpot red beans, easy Cajun recipes, Andouille sausage recipes, Mardi Gras food