A New Orleans classic made easy in the slow cooker! These creamy, flavorful red beans with sausage are hearty, comforting, and perfect over fluffy white rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Off: Dump everything into the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Full of Flavor: Smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and Cajun seasoning make every bite irresistible.
- Comfort Food: Creamy, hearty, and stick-to-your-ribs satisfying, perfect for any season.
- Versatile: Serve with French bread, Cajun cornbread, or even alongside fried chicken for a full Southern meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried red beans
- 1 link andouille sausage, quartered
- 2 links smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bay leaves
- 6 cups water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
- Stir to combine, cover, and cook on high for 6 hours.
- For creamier beans, mash some against the side of the pot before serving.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Soaking Beans: If using red kidney beans, boil for 10 minutes first to destroy lectins.
- Add Heat: Include hot sauce, cayenne, or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Swap Meats: Ham hocks or extra sausage work well too.
- Different Rice: Try brown or jasmine rice for a twist.
- Extra Flavor: Add green bell pepper, green onions, or a splash of liquid smoke.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Pro Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.