Hearty red beans and rice made in a slow cooker with smoked sausage, celery, bell pepper, and Creole seasoning. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers tender beans and bold, savory flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve over cooked rice for a classic, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

½ cup dried red kidney beans (about 3 ounces)
1 cup sliced smoked sausage (about 4.5 ounces or ¼ pound)
1 celery stalk, chopped
½ cup chopped onion (about 2.5 ounces)
¼ cup green bell pepper, chopped (about 0.85 ounces)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Creole seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
¼ teaspoon hot sauce
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon salted butter

To Serve:

1 cup cooked rice

Instructions:

Soak the beans: Rinse the red kidney beans and remove any debris. Place them in a bowl or pot, cover with at least 2 inches of water, and soak overnight.
Drain and rinse: In the morning, drain the beans and rinse thoroughly.
Boil the beans: Transfer the beans to a medium pot, cover with 1–2 inches of fresh water, and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 10–20 minutes.
Drain and transfer: Drain the beans again and add them to the slow cooker.
Add other ingredients: Mix in the sliced sausage, celery, onion, bell pepper, garlic, Creole seasoning, hot sauce, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Slow cook: Cook on high for 4–5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Check about an hour before the cooking time ends and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Finish and serve: Stir in the butter and serve over freshly cooked rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This red beans and rice recipe is packed with smoky sausage, tender beans, and bold Creole flavors. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any day of the week.

Tips

Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to suit your spice preference.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap smoked sausage with andouille sausage, kielbasa, or chicken sausage.
Use brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice for different textures.
For a spicier dish, increase the hot sauce or add cayenne pepper.
Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
A: Yes, use 1½ cups of canned red beans (drained and rinsed) and reduce cooking time to 2–3 hours in the slow cooker.

Q: Can this recipe be made in advance?
A: Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Replace sausage with smoked tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.

Serving

Serve hot over a scoop of freshly cooked rice. Pair with cornbread or a green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Suggestions

Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for color and freshness.
Add a splash of hot sauce at the table for extra heat.
Pair with a cold drink like iced tea or lemonade to balance the spicy flavors.