Red Beans and Rice in the Slow Cooker
This recipe delivers delicious and easy red beans and rice in your slow cooker. Simply throw the ingredients in, and dinner practically makes itself!
This recipe delivers delicious and easy red beans and rice in your slow cooker. Simply throw the ingredients in, and dinner practically makes 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 ingredients (except the rice) to the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours on high or 10 hours on low.
- Optional: With one hour remaining, mash some beans with a potato masher, then let it cook for the remaining hour.
- Cook rice separately, following package directions.
- Serve with 1 cup of rice per serving.
My Go-To Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner often feels impossible. That’s why I've become completely reliant on my slow cooker – it’s my secret weapon in the kitchen. And this Red Beans and Rice recipe? It's an absolute lifesaver. I discovered it a few years ago during a particularly hectic week, and it's been a staple ever since. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal prep time, and the slow cooker does all the hard work while I focus on other things. I can literally throw everything in the morning before heading out, and come home to a fragrant and comforting meal that's ready to serve.
The flavor is incredible. The slow cooking process allows the beans to become incredibly tender, and the spices meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying taste. I love the combination of savory andouille sausage (I’ve also used vegetarian alternatives successfully!), the sweetness of the bell pepper, and the subtle warmth of the thyme. The creamy texture of the slightly mashed beans adds a delicious depth. And serving it with fluffy white rice makes it a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is so versatile, too. I've experimented with different types of beans, added other vegetables like carrots or celery, and even played around with the spices, adjusting them to suit my taste. But honestly, the original recipe is so perfect, I rarely deviate!
This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a comforting and delicious meal for my family. The aroma that fills my house as the beans simmer away is enough to make everyone excited for dinner. The slow cooker allows me to create a home-cooked meal without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. It gives me more quality time with my kids and less stress at the end of a long day, leaving me more energy to focus on the other aspects of my life. It's a simple recipe, yes, but it represents so much more than just a meal; it represents a bit of peace and deliciousness in the chaos of daily life. I hope it brings that same comfort to your table.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the andouille sausage with smoked tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra dose of nutrients.
- Make it a potluck star: This dish travels well and is perfect for potlucks and gatherings. It reheats beautifully, too!
- Meal prep friendly: Double the recipe and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It's even better the next day!
Beyond the recipe: Slow cookers are game changers for busy lifestyles. They are incredibly versatile and can be used to make everything from soups and stews to desserts. If you don’t have one, I strongly recommend investing in one – you won’t regret it!
