Red Beans and Rice Recipes

Red beans and rice is one of those dishes truly born of Southern and Creole food ways. It’s described so beautifully, its deep, comforting flavor, which everyone associates with long and slow cooking-but an Instant Pot will see that happen in a half the time, yet this recipe cooks tender red beans, flavorful smoked sausage, or ham, along with aromatic spices, all together for a satisfying meal on busy weeknights.

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What are red beans and rice? 

One of the old-timey recipes with a very long history in the South and within Creole culture is red beans and rice, particularly in Louisiana. It’s one of those soulful meals slow-cooked with smoked meat-products such as sausage, ham hock, or andouille-and also featuring a blend of aromatic vegetables like onions, bell peppers.

Red beans and rice ingredient list 

To make this simple Instant pot dinner you will need:

• Red beans
• Sausage
• Spices
• Broth
• Rice

Red beans – You are going to need a pound of Red Beans and Rice-not canned! You can find the bags of beans in the same aisle as the rice-which is great because you’ll also need a bag of that for this recipe!

Are red beans the same as kidney beans?

Although they look similar AND can be used interchangeably, they’re just not the same bean. If you happen to have a bag of kidney beans or pick one up by mistake, no worries! Use it!

• Sausage – You will need one pound of sausage for this recipe. Use whatever kind you like best!
• Spices – This is a Cajun dish so the spices reflect that. 
• Broth– You can use chicken or beef broth here. Or even water. Not fancy at all.
• Rice– Cook up a box of Instant Pot rice and you are golden!

How do you make red beans and rice?

Cook the Sausage:

Put the Instant Pot in ‘Sauté’ mode. Add a small amount of oil and the sliced sausage. Cook until both sides are browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and reserve.

Cook the Vegetables:

 Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes or when they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the Beans and Seasonings:

Add the washed red beans, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper if using.

Liquid and Pressure Cooking: 

Pour in the chicken broth into the pot. Put the browned sausage back into the pot.

Natural Release:

Let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes then do a quick pressure release for any pressure remaining.

Check Consistency:

Lift the lid and stir. Season with salt and seasonings to taste.

Serve:

Spoon the red beans over a bed of white rice. Top with chopped green onions and serve with hot sauce for an added kick.

Tips for Success:

• More Depth of Flavor: Use smoked ham hock or andouille sausage for an authentic taste.
• No Soaking: The Instant Pot eliminates bean soaking. It reduces preparation and makes the process faster.
• Adjust the Spice: Customize the heat level by adjusting the cayenne and serving with hot sauce on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This bold and hearty makes for the ultimate party feeder and week-long meal prep. Using staple pantry ingredients and deep flavorings, this recipe is super easy to make, fits your budget, and gets ready in under an hour.

How to store leftovers

It will stay there for a week. This is a recipe that I do not recommend freezing and the beans will when reheated. 

Ingredients:

• Protein:
  • 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced) or andouille sausage
  • Optional: 1 ham hock for deeper flavor
• Beans:
  • 1 lb dried red beans, rinsed and sorted
• Vegetables:
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
• Seasonings:
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• Liquid:
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water
• Rice:
  • Cooked white rice for serving
• Garnishes:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Night before or morning. Place your dry beans in an Instant Pot. Cover them with water and the lid, soak overnight for 8 hours
2. Drain your Red Beans and Rice. Place them back in an Instant Pot.
3. Chop up your sausage
4. Add your sausage, spices, and broth to Instant Pot.
5. Tare to sealing and cook for 7 minutes at high pressure.
6. Quick release.
7. Stir everything and serve over rice.