Who doesn’t love a warm, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? This Crockpot Red Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe is everything you need for a busy day or a cozy family dinner. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and so simple to make. The beans cook to creamy perfection in the slow cooker, absorbing all the smoky spices and savory sausage goodness. Serve it over fluffy rice, and you’ve got a budget-friendly dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re new to red beans and rice or this is a family favorite in your house, this recipe is a no-fail winner!
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this comforting dish:
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Pro Tips
- Soak the beans overnight: This step is key for quicker cooking and easier digestion.
- Brown the sausage: If you have a few extra minutes, sear the sausage in a skillet for even more flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with a small amount of cayenne if serving kids, and let spice lovers add hot sauce later.
- Go for fluffy rice: Use freshly cooked rice or reheat leftover rice with a splash of water to make it soft again.
- Make it your own: Add more veggies like diced carrots or a can of tomatoes for extra nutrition.
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Large skillet (optional for browning sausage)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Medium saucepan (for cooking rice)
- Ladle
Substitutions and Variations
- Sausage alternatives: Use ham, andouille sausage, or turkey sausage.
- Vegan option: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Rice options: Try brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier spin.
- Milder flavor: Skip the cayenne for a milder taste or substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa.
Make Ahead Tips
- Chop your veggies the night before to save time in the morning.
- Soak the beans overnight so they’re ready to go.
- You can make the whole dish a day ahead—leftovers taste even better!
Instructions
1. Prep the ingredients
Rinse and soak the beans overnight, then drain them. Dice the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
2. Brown the sausage (optional)
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the sausage slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
3. Assemble in the crockpot
Add the soaked beans, sausage, diced veggies, garlic, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
4. Cook
Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally if you’re around.
5. Cook the rice
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the white rice according to package instructions.
6. Serve
Spoon the red beans and sausage mixture over the rice, garnish with chopped green onions, and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier!
Conclusion
This Crockpot Red Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with smoky, savory goodness. It’s perfect for busy days or a cozy family dinner. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear about it. Happy cooking! 😊
