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Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe Easy and Perfect with Smoked Sausage

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A comforting slow cooker recipe featuring smoky sausage, tender red beans, and fluffy rice, perfect for an easy, hearty meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight or quick-soaked)
  • 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or kielbasa recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup dried red kidney beans under cold water. Place in a large bowl, cover with 3 inches of water, and soak overnight or quick-soak by boiling for 2 minutes then letting stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 ounces sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add soaked beans, cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, 4 cups chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (if using), and salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally if possible.
  6. About 20 minutes before serving, cook 2 cups long-grain white rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork once done.
  7. Remove bay leaves from the bean mixture. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot beans over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions.

Notes

Brown the sausage first to add caramelized depth. Soak beans to reduce cooking time and improve texture. Adjust salt carefully due to sausage and broth saltiness. Stir occasionally during cooking if possible. Keep rice separate if freezing leftovers to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, red beans and rice, smoked sausage, comfort food, easy dinner, crockpot recipe, hearty meal

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/slow-cooker-red-beans-and-rice-recipe-easy-and-perfect-with-smoked-sausage/