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Savory Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe

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A comforting and hearty slow cooker recipe featuring smoky sausage, tender red beans, and fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dry red kidney beans, soaked overnight (or canned for shortcut)
  • 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced (preferably Andouille)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for lighter option)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice, cooked separately
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse dry red kidney beans thoroughly and soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. For quick soak, boil beans for 2 minutes, cover and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Chop onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Slice smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  3. In slow cooker, combine soaked beans, chopped veggies, sausage, minced garlic, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir gently to mix.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beans are tender but not falling apart. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves. Adjust consistency by adding broth or cooking uncovered to reduce.
  6. Cook long-grain white rice separately according to package instructions.
  7. Serve red beans over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use firm, small-curd kidney beans to avoid mushy texture. Canned beans can be used but add later and reduce cooking time. Skim excess sausage fat if desired. For vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Cooking low and slow preserves bean texture and flavor. Stir gently during cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: red beans and rice, slow cooker recipe, smoky sausage, comfort food, easy dinner, Creole, family meal

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/savory-slow-cooker-red-beans-and-rice-recipe-easy-perfect-dinner-idea/