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Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

Close-up of creamy slow cooker red beans and rice topped generously with slices of smoked sausage.
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This is the easiest, hands-off recipe for authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice using your slow cooker. Set it and forget it for a hearty, flavorful New Orleans style meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed (do not soak)
  • 1 pound smoked Andouille sausage, sliced into half-inch pieces
  • 1 smoked ham hock (optional, for deep flavor)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon salt (add after cooking)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooked white rice, for serving
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed dried red kidney beans, sliced Andouille sausage, and ham hock (if using) into the basin of your slow cooker.
  2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring the beans are covered by at least one inch of liquid.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
  5. When cooking is complete, remove and discard the ham hock and bay leaf.
  6. Stir the beans well. If the mixture is too thin, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes more to allow some liquid to evaporate. If you prefer a creamier texture, mash about 1 cup of the beans against the side of the slow cooker with a spoon.
  7. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  8. Serve the red beans hot over cooked white rice. Garnish each serving with chopped green onions.

Notes

  • For the most authentic flavor, use smoked Andouille sausage. If you cannot find it, use smoked Kielbasa or smoked sausage.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep. The flavor deepens overnight in the refrigerator.
  • If you skip the ham hock, add 1 tablespoon of butter or 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke when you add the broth for richness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/slow-cooker-red-beans-and-rice/