Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice: A Flavorful, Easy Recipe
Red beans and rice is a classic comfort food, and this slow cooker recipe makes it incredibly easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. The slow cooking process allows the beans to become incredibly tender and flavorful, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and picked over (Tip: Soaking the beans overnight will reduce cooking time significantly, though it's not strictly necessary with a slow cooker)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- Andouille sausage, sliced (about 1 pound – optional, but highly recommended for authentic flavor!)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): For deeper flavor, begin by sautéing the onion, garlic, and bell peppers in a little oil until softened. This step is optional, but adds a nice depth to the overall flavor profile.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed red beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and celery to your slow cooker. If using Andouille sausage, add it now as well. Stir everything to combine.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper.
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Serve: Serve the red beans and rice hot over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Meat Alternatives: Instead of Andouille sausage, you can use smoked ham hock, chorizo, or even omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Bean Variety: While red kidney beans are traditional, you can experiment with other beans like pinto beans or black beans.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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