Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (2024)

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You are going to LOVE this red beans and rice in the slowcooker because it is so delicious and easy!

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (1)

You can make it by throwing all the ingredients in the slow cooker/ crock pot in the morning, and poof! Dinner practically prepares itself.

Note: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. See my full affiliate disclosure policy here.

Side note: If you prefer to make this traditionally on the stovetop, see my stovetop red beans and rice.

How to make slow cooker red beans and rice

First, gather your ingredients.

Ingredients

For tastiest results, always use the best quality ingredients you have access to. To make this slow cooker red beans and rice recipe, you will need the following:

  • onion
  • bell pepper
  • celery
  • garlic
  • chicken andouille sausage (or your favorite andouille sausage)
  • dry red beans (or red kidney beans work well too)
  • salt and pepper
  • white pepper (optional – still good without it)
  • hot sauce
  • thyme – fresh or dried
  • bay leaves
  • water
  • 10 cups cooked rice (prepared just prior to serving)

Assembling this recipe

After you prep/ chop and measure your ingredients, just add them to the slow cooker. Except for the rice! I cook that just prior to serving at meal time.

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (2)

Slow cooking red beans and rice

So how long does the red bean mixture need to cook? It depends on which setting you use.

On high, it will need to cook for about 6 hours. On low, it will need at least 10 hours. Of course slow cooker can vary a little bit, so it wouldn’t hurt to plan some buffer time. The beans will keep warm for a while if needed, no problem. And if they need extra cook time, make sure the pot is turned to high, and cook a bit longer.

My slowcooker(<- Amazon affiliate link) is one of my most used kitchen appliances. Itis SUCH a valuable tool for making really yummy food that is easy to set and forget. Perfect for busyfolks! Which, aren’t we ALL?!

Side note: If you want tomake this dish quicker (like less than 2 hours, starting with dry beans), check out my Instant Pot red beans and rice recipe!

Serving

Like I mentioned, I cook the rice just ahead of meal time so that it will be ready in time to serve. I have a rice cooker, but you can also prepare it on the stovetop.

Serve with some diced green onion, extra hot sauce if you wish and a side of southern skillet cornbread.

Important cooking tips and notes

PS: You do not have to soak your dried beans ahead of time! Yes, you heard me right. This article from the LA Times explains why.

I did rinse mine, but I did NOT soak them, and this turned out perfect. I use this same method for my slow cooker black bean souptoo, and it also is a gem of a recipe.

Note: Since they are not pre-soaked you will need to allow plenty of time to cook. I would suggest at least 10 hours on low, or at least 6 hours on high.This might vary a little if your slow cooker is different than mine.

Update Note: Please make sure your crock pot heats up hot enough to eliminate any potential toxins, as explained here. My crock pot gets very hot, so it works out fine for us to cook them this way. If you are in doubt, go ahead and soak your beans first just to be safe. I do not want anyone to get sick from this recipe!

What type of sausage should I use?

You can use any type of cajun sausage, but I am using Amylu’s chicken andouille sausage that I found at Costco. I had never used this in any recipe before, and I bought it on a whim…as I so often do at Costco! (<- anybody else?? I am a sucker for the sample pushers too.)

You can use any type of andouille or cajun sausage though – pork, chicken or even vegan andouille sausages work great.

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (3)

More Cajun Recipes You May Enjoy

  • Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice – tastes like this version, only quicker!
  • Chicken and Sausage jambalaya (one pot recipe)
  • Cajun shrimp and grits

More Slow Cooker Recipes You May Enjoy

  • Slow cooker black bean soup
  • Mexican shredded chicken
  • Classic beef chili
  • Ham and Fifteen Bean Soup

Note: These are Amazon affiliate links.

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Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (4)

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Print

Red Beans and Rice in the slow cooker

You are going to LOVE this red beans and rice in the slow cooker because it is so delicious and easy! Throw the ingredients into your slow cooker, and dinner practically prepares itself.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Keyword crock pot red beans and rice, slow cooker red beans and rice

Prep Time 12 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 8 hours 45 minutes

Servings 10 servings

Calories 461 kcal

Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 3 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pounds ¼ chicken andouille sausage cut into thin slices, I used Amylu brand
  • 1 pound dry red kidney beans
  • 1 tsp salt or more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper optional
  • 1 tsp hot sauce I used Texas Pete
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 2 leaves bay
  • 7 cups water
  • 10 cups cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Rinse the kidney beans and drain.

  2. Add all the ingredients (except the rice) to the slow cooker.

  3. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for either 6 hours on high or 10 hours on low (total).

  4. Optional: When there is one hour remaining, use a potato masher to go in and mash up some of the beans, then let it cook the remaining hour.

  5. Cook the rice in a separate pot, according to package directions. I used white jasmine rice and cooked it in my rice cooker.

  6. Serve with 1 cup rice in each serving.

Recipe Notes

*Nutrition information includes 1 cup cooked rice.

Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.

Adapted from The Weary Chef.

Update Note: Please make sure your crock pot heats up hot enough to eliminate any potential toxins, as explained here. My crock pot gets very hot, so it works out fine for us to cook them this way. If you are in doubt, go ahead and soak your beans first just to be safe. I do not want anyone to get sick from this recipe!

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (5)

Nutrition Facts

Red Beans and Rice in the slow cooker

Amount Per Serving

Calories 461 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 32mg11%

Sodium 735mg32%

Potassium 747mg21%

Carbohydrates 77g26%

Fiber 8g33%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 600IU12%

Vitamin C 19.9mg24%

Calcium 69mg7%

Iron 3.9mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Are red beans and rice healthy for weight loss? ›

The high satiety factors of rice and beans can help you lose weight or stay at a healthy weight over time. Satiety measures how satisfying a food is to eat and how long it keeps you full. Satiety is vital in maintaining a healthy weight.

Is it safe to cook red beans in a slow cooker? ›

PHA is present in red kidney beans that are still partially raw from undercooking, or haven't been heated to a safe temperature to destroy the toxin. The low temperatures of a slow cooker may not heat them sufficiently.

Is eating beans and rice every day healthy? ›

It's a Complementary Protein

Rice and beans form a complementary protein, providing all of the essential amino acids together. You don't always need all the essential amino acids at one meal—rather, it's about getting them in throughout the day—but rice and beans are an easy way to cover your bases.

What thickens red beans and rice? ›

We will have to create the texture that we're looking for in red beans and rice by making a slurry. A slurry is a thickening agent for hot liquids such as soups, stews, and gravies. For this recipe we are going to use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch + 2 tablespoons of COLD (again, COLD) water.

What are the best beans for weight loss? ›

Many do not consider beans healthy when following a low carb diet as it is high in carbohydrates. However, along with carbs, beans also contain fiber (mostly soluble), which can help lower cholesterol level. Black beans, kidney beans, navy beans are the ones considered best for weight loss plan.

When should I eat red beans and rice? ›

New Orleanians continue, with ritualistic fervor, to consume red beans and rice on Mondays. Spicy Caribbean recipes for beans and rice were brought to the city in the late 1700s by French-speaking Haitians fleeing the revolution in Saint Domingue (modern-day Haiti).

Do I have to soak red beans before slow cooking? ›

Optional: Soak red beans overnight. Rinse the beans under cool, running water. Place in a large bowl or pot and cover with several inches of clean water. Let sit overnight.

What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  1. Raw Meat.
  2. Seafood.
  3. Pasta.
  4. Rice.
  5. Delicate Vegetables.
  6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  7. Dairy.
  8. Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

Why are my beans still hard after slow cooking? ›

Dried beans typically have a moisture content of around 16%. However, as they age, moisture evaporates, giving pectin time to age and harden the skin. These beans can often take much longer to soften while soaking and cooking, up to twice the time!

What is the healthiest bean to eat? ›

Some of the healthiest beans to consume include:
  • Black beans: Often known as turtle beans, black beans are inexpensive and widely available in supermarkets. ...
  • Kidney beans: ...
  • Lima beans: ...
  • Soybeans: ...
  • Chickpeas: ...
  • Pinto beans: ...
  • Navy beans:

What does Dave Ramsey mean by rice and beans? ›

@DaveRamsey. When I say “beans and rice, rice and beans,” I don't actually mean only eat rice and beans! What it represents is so much more than a low grocery bill. It's about short-term sacrifice for the long-term win. You can do anything for a few months, even a few years to set yourself up for a lifetime of success.

What is the healthiest rice? ›

1. Brown rice. Whole grain rice such as brown rice is less processed and refined than white rice. As a result, brown rice contains more nutrients such as fiber and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Why add vinegar to red beans? ›

Vinegar Makes Red Beans Taste Great!

Vinegar is an acidic liquid produced through fermentation and used in cooking as a flavoring agent and preservative.

What to eat with red beans and rice? ›

Red beans and rice is a versatile recipe that can act as a main or side dish. The big, hearty flavors pair well with foods like cornbread, collard greens, barbecued meats, and fried chicken.

How do you make red beans and rice less gassy? ›

But most people can enjoy more beans with less gas with the help of these tips: Soak beans overnight in water, then drain, rinse and cook in fresh water. This decreases the oligosaccharide content. Cooking the beans in a pressure cooker may reduce the oligosaccharides even further.

Can we eat red rice during weight loss? ›

Red rice is low in fat and high in protein and fibres, which is why it increases satiety and reduces overeating and may help in weight loss.

Are beans and rice a complete meal? ›

Both are easy to grow, plentiful, and filling. The combination of beans and rice creates a complete protein. Beans alone and rice alone both lack certain essential amino acids. If eaten together, however, each contributes what the other is missing to form a complete protein.

Is Popeyes red beans and rice healthy? ›

Warning. A large order of Popeye's red beans and rice contains almost your entire daily recommended sodium intake. The American Heart Association advises consuming no more than 1,500 milligrams to decrease the risk of high blood pressure and related complications, including stroke.

Is rice good for weight loss? ›

Is rice good for weight loss? Rice also has the benefit of expanding to three times its original volume, so it can be quite filling. This can help one eat less overall - a strategy some use to support weight management when rice consumption is paired with a healthy diet.

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