Looking for a comforting dish that brings the flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen? This one pot Cajun Red Beans and Rice recipe is a classic!
It combines rich, savory ingredients for a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Picture tender red beans simmered with andouille sausage, onions, bell peppers, and celery, all seasoned with bold Cajun spices. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a taste of the South that you can whip up in no time.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for a gathering.
The best part? Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. You can customize the spice level to suit your taste, whether you prefer it mild or fiery. Serve it with a sprinkle of green onions on top for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
But for those of you who love your Crock-Pot or Instant Pot, I’ve included instructions below for both pressure cooking and slow cooking your perfect Cajun meal!
Bringing Cajun Flavors to Your Table
A bowl of Cajun Red Beans and Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana.
This comforting dish combines creamy red beans with hearty slices of andouille sausage, creating a rich and satisfying experience. The vibrant colors of diced onions, bell peppers, and celery add both nutrition and visual appeal.
Seasoned with bold Cajun spices, every spoonful bursts with flavor, making it a perfect choice for any occasion—from busy weeknights to family gatherings.
Hearty Ingredients for a Satisfying Meal
The foundation of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Red beans provide a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor of andouille sausage.
Aromatic onions and crisp bell peppers add depth, while celery contributes a refreshing crunch. The blend of these components creates a hearty meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
Infused with Cajun spices, this dish showcases the unique culinary heritage of the Louisiana. The spices can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy it.
An Easy One-Pot Cooking Method
One of the best aspects of Cajun Red Beans and Rice is its simplicity. With everything cooked in a single pot, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup.
The process begins by sautéing the andouille sausage until golden brown, which adds a rich depth of flavor. Following this, the vegetables are cooked until tender, enveloping them in the savory aroma of sautéed ingredients.
Once the garlic and spices are added, the mixture is combined with the soaked red beans and broth, simmering until the beans reach the perfect tenderness.
Perfect Pairings and Garnishes
To elevate this dish, a sprinkle of chopped green onions serves as a vibrant and flavorful garnish. Their freshness complements the rich broth beautifully.
Traditionally served with a side of cornbread, the sweetness of the bread contrasts nicely with the spicy and savory elements of the main dish.
Whether you enjoy it on a cozy night in or serve it at a family gathering, this meal is sure to impress and satisfy.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
This Cajun delight not only tastes great but also offers nutritional benefits. With approximately 400 calories per serving, it provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
The dish can serve up to six people, making it ideal for sharing. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Cajun cuisine throughout the week.
Feel free to customize portion sizes or add extra vegetables to suit your preferences. The heartiness of this dish means it can easily be adapted to meet different dietary needs.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
For optimal results, soaking the red beans overnight is highly recommended. This step helps achieve the desired tenderness during cooking.
Experimenting with various types of Cajun spices can lead to exciting new flavor profiles, so don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings.
Lastly, allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving can enhance the flavors, letting them meld together beautifully.
Delicious and Easy One Pot Cajun Red Beans and Rice
This dish features creamy red beans cooked to perfection alongside slices of smoky andouille sausage, aromatic onions, crunchy bell peppers, and fresh celery. The combination of these ingredients creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 pound red beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun spices (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun spices, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked red beans, chicken broth, and bay leaf back into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Finish the Dish: Once the beans are cooked, stir in the reserved sausage and cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it heat through for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf, garnish with chopped green onions, and enjoy your flavorful Cajun meal!
A few notes:
Some red beans (especially older ones) may need 2–3 hours of simmering to become fully tender, not just 1–1.5 hours. But also, adding salt or acidic ingredients early in the cooking process can prevent beans from softening properly.
Lastly, beans that are more than a year old or improperly stored can become too dry and never fully cook through, no matter how long you simmer.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Red Beans and Rice Crock-Pot Version
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sliced andouille sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to Crock-Pot.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened. Add to the Crock-Pot.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and Cajun spices, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant. Transfer contents to the Crock-Pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Add soaked red beans, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the Crock-Pot. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beans are tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to warm through.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
Red Beans and Rice Instant Pot Version
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a bit of oil and cook the sliced andouille sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and Cajun spices. Sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return sausage to the pot. Add soaked red beans, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the lid and set to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 35 minutes. Allow natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to warm through.
- Serve: Discard the bay leaf. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes (35 minutes pressure + 15 minutes natural release)
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
This recipe is part of my 21 Amazing One Pot Dinners for Busy Weeknights. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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The flavor, while really spicy, was delicious. However, the beans never got soft. I soaked them all night and cooked it in a crockpot all day and the beans stayed crunchy. I salvaged the sausage and threw the rest out. I’m willing to try it again if someone can tell me what I did wrong.
Hi Ann
So sorry you had that issue. I have a few suggestions and I’ll modify the recipe so these are clearer to future readers.
Some red beans (especially older ones) may need 2–3 hours of simmering to become fully tender, not just 1–1.5 hours. But also, adding salt, acidic ingredients early in the cooking process can prevent beans from softening properly. Lastly, beans that are more than a year old or improperly stored can become too dry and never fully cook through, no matter how long you simmer.
Hope that helps and thanks for the feedback!
Jeff