Red Beans and Rice in the Slow Cooker
You are going to LOVE this red beans and rice in the slow cooker because it is so delicious and easy Throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and dinner practically prepares itself
You are going to LOVE this red beans and rice in the slow cooker because it is so delicious and easy Throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and dinner practically prepares itself
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 leaves bay
- 7 cups water
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 pound dry red kidney beans
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (i used texas pete)
- 10 cups cooked rice
- 3 stalks (chopped)
- 1 pounds â¼ chicken andouille sausage (cut into thin slices i used amylu brand)
- 1 tsp salt (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or â½ tsp dried thyme)
- Carbohydrate 70.631651365 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.743207422 g
- Fiber 3.08133967421876 g
- Protein 7.7011421714 g
- Saturated Fat 0.19183252417 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (482g)
- Sodium 140.90814152561 mg
- Sugar 67.5503116907812 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 329 calories
Step-by-step
- Rinse the kidney beans and drain.
- Add all the ingredients (except the rice) to the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for either 6 hours on high or 10 hours on low (total).
- Optional: When there is one hour remaining, use a potato masher to go in and mash up some of the beans, then let it cook the remaining hour.
- Cook the rice in a separate pot, according to package directions. I used white jasmine rice and cooked it in my rice cooker.
- Serve with 1 cup rice in each serving.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between early mornings, long work days, and after-school activities, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've developed a deep appreciation for the humble slow cooker. It's become my secret weapon for creating flavorful meals without sacrificing precious time. And this Red Beans and Rice recipe is a perfect example!
This recipe isn't just about convenience, though. It's about taste. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, savory dish that's far more satisfying than anything you'd find in a pre-packaged meal. The tender beans, the subtle spice, the hint of smoky sausage – it's a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a cozy kitchen, even if you're enjoying it after a long, hard day. My family devours this; it's a crowd-pleaser for sure, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.
Why this recipe works:
- Simplicity: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal prep work and practically cooks itself. You just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
- Flavor: The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish. The combination of beans, rice, sausage, and spices creates a harmonious blend of savory and slightly spicy notes.
- Versatility: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, adjust the spice level, or use a different type of sausage. The possibilities are endless!
- Healthier Option: Unlike many other comfort food recipes, this one leans towards the healthier side (of course you can always make it healthier by substituting some of the ingredients with healthier options). The hearty beans provide plenty of fiber and protein, keeping you full and satisfied. It's a wonderful source of nutrition, especially when you're short on time to prepare elaborate meals.
- Make Ahead Potential: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout. This way you can reduce your mid-week cooking time, especially handy for those busy days.
Beyond the practical aspects, this dish holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of simpler times, of family gatherings, and of the comforting warmth that only a truly satisfying meal can bring. It's a taste of home, wherever home may be. It's a dish that's easy to make, incredibly tasty, and that my whole family loves – what more could I ask for? So give it a try, and I'm confident you'll quickly add it to your list of go-to recipes.
Tips and variations:
- For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Chorizo or Italian sausage would also work well.
- Add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or corn.
- If you don't have a rice cooker, you can cook the rice on the stovetop according to package directions.
- For a thicker stew, mash some of the beans before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless slow cooker red beans and rice!
