Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with smoky sausage and rich spices, it’s simple to prepare and delivers authentic Louisiana comfort food right at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound 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 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Stir well, cover with the lid, and cook on high for 6 hours.
3. Step 3: For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
4. Step 4: Serve the red beans hot over freshly cooked rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, soak the beans overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spiciness to suit your taste.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers for an additional layer of flavor and color.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version (omit the sausage).

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the beans. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?

Soaking is not required when using a slow cooker, but soaking beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and improve the beans’ texture.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level according to your preference.

Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 76 reviews

This Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful Southern classic with tender red beans simmered alongside smoky andouille and smoked sausages. Slow cooking melds the spices and ingredients perfectly, creating a creamy, comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun, Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Meats

• 1 Pound Dried Red Beans
• 1 Link Andouille Sausage, quartered
• 2 Links Smoked Sausage, sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 Yellow Onion, diced
• 1 Rib Celery, diced
• 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 Bay Leaves

Liquids and Seasoning

• 6 Cups Water
• 2 Beef Bouillon Cubes
• 1 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the dried red beans thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Quarter the andouille sausage and slice the smoked sausages. Dice the yellow onion and celery, and mince the garlic cloves.
2. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed red beans, quartered andouille sausage, sliced smoked sausage, diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, and bay leaves into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
3. Season and Add Liquids: Add 6 cups of water, 2 beef bouillon cubes, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the other ingredients. Stir everything together well to combine.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the high setting for 6 hours. The beans should become tender and the flavors fully melded during this slow simmering process.
5. Mash for Creaminess: When cooking is complete, mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker with a spoon or spatula to create a creamier texture, according to your preference.
6. Serve: Serve the slow-cooked Cajun red beans hot over steamed rice for a classic and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, though it’s optional here.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
• This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
• Use low-sodium beef bouillon if watching salt intake.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausages and replace beef bouillon with vegetable broth.

Keywords: Cajun red beans and rice, slow cooker red beans, andouille sausage recipe, easy Cajun dinner, Southern slow cooker recipe