Introduction
Looking for a warm, filling, and tasty dinner that doesn’t need much work? Then this Easy Crockpot Red Beans and Rice Recipe is just what you need! It’s a classic Southern comfort dish that’s full of flavor, super easy to make, and budget-friendly too. This recipe is great for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
You just toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you. It’s also a great dish to feed a big family or save for leftovers. Whether you’ve had red beans and rice before or it’s your first time trying it, this easy recipe will surely become one of your go-to meals. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Crockpot Red Beans and Rice
Here’s everything you need to make this tasty crockpot dish:
For the Crockpot:
- 1 pound dry red kidney beans (rinsed and sorted)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced (or any smoked sausage you like)
For Serving:
- 4 cups cooked white rice
Step-by-Step Process – Crockpot Red Beans and Rice
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Soak the Beans (Optional but recommended)
Soaking the beans helps them cook faster and more evenly. The night before cooking:
- Rinse the beans under cool water.
- Place them in a large bowl and cover with water.
- Let them soak overnight.
- Drain and rinse them again in the morning.
Short on time? You can skip soaking, but you may need to cook the beans longer.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery.
- Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
Step 3: Add Everything to the Crockpot
In your slow cooker, add:
- The soaked (or unsoaked) beans
- Chopped veggies (onion, celery, bell pepper)
- Garlic
- Sliced sausage
- Olive oil
- All the spices (thyme, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, salt, bay leaves)
- Pour in the 6 cups of water or broth
Step 4: Cook on Low and Let It Simmer
- Set your crockpot to LOW for 7–8 hours, or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
- Stir once or twice during cooking if you can.
The beans should be soft, and the broth should thicken into a nice creamy sauce. If it looks too soupy near the end, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to thicken it up.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
While the beans are finishing up:
- Cook your white rice according to the package directions.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove bay leaves from the crockpot.
- Spoon the red beans and sausage over a bowl of warm rice.
- Add chopped green onions or hot sauce if you like.
And just like that — dinner is ready!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 11g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 880mg |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
| Potassium | 900mg |
| Vitamin A | 8% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can! Use about 3 cans of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained. But if you use canned beans, only cook on low for 3-4 hours or just until the veggies and sausage are tender, since canned beans are already cooked.
Q2: What can I use instead of sausage?
You can use:
- Turkey sausage for a lighter option
- Chicken sausage
- Or leave out the sausage for a vegetarian version (just add more veggies or mushrooms)
Q3: Do I have to soak the beans?
No, it’s not required. But soaking helps them cook more evenly and may reduce cooking time.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Let the beans and rice cool completely. Then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Q5: Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to bring up the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Red Beans and Rice Recipe is a total winner. It’s warm, comforting, and full of bold flavor — all with very little effort. Plus, it’s healthy, full of fiber and protein, and super filling.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something cozy for dinner, this dish will leave everyone satisfied. You can even make a big batch and freeze some for later.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and enjoy a bowl of Southern goodness without spending all day in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
