Crockpot Red Beans and Rice: Slow-Cooked Southern Comfort

If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, smoky goodness, and that stick-to-your-ribs kind of satisfaction, then look no further. This Crockpot Red Beans and Rice recipe is a true Southern classic, bringing all the rich, savory tastes of Louisiana straight to your table. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or you’re feeding a crowd on game day, this dish is easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, those tender red beans soak up all the seasoning, sausage, and spices to create a hearty meal that’s hard to beat. And the best part? It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal.

Why You Should Make This Dish

Alright, let me break it down for you. There’s something magical about red beans simmering low and slow with smoky sausage and aromatic veggies. The result? A creamy, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a bed of fluffy white rice. Here’s why this Crockpot Red Beans and Rice should be on your dinner rotation:

✅ Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Just toss everything in, set it, and let those flavors do their thing.
✅ Budget-Friendly: Beans and rice are a wallet-friendly combo that stretches to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
✅ Packed with Flavor: The combination of smoked sausage, chicken Andouille, garlic, and Creole seasoning guarantees a mouthful of bold, Southern flavor in every bite.
✅ Great for Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or freezing for later.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, Crockpot Red Beans and Rice is always a hit.

Ingredients:

Here’s everything you need to make this Southern classic:

For the Red Beans and Rice:

• 1 lb dried red beans
• 1 link chicken Andouille sausage, quartered
• 1 link smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 celery rib, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 bay leaves
• 6 cups water
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 tablespoon Creole Kick seasoning blend

For Serving:

• 4-5 cups cooked white rice
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
• Hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Crockpot Red Beans and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Beans

Start by rinsing the dried red beans thoroughly under cold water. Give them a good swirl to loosen any dirt or debris, then drain. No need to soak them overnight since the slow cooker will do the heavy lifting.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies and Sausages

Dice up your onion and celery, and mince the garlic. Next, quarter the chicken Andouille sausage and slice the smoked sausage.

Step 3: Load Up the Slow Cooker

In your 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker, combine the rinsed red beans, diced veggies, sliced smoked sausage, and quartered chicken Andouille sausage. Add in the minced garlic, bay leaves, beef bouillon cubes, and Creole Kick seasoning.

Step 4: Add Water and Stir

Pour 6 cups of water into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to mix the flavors and seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on high for 6 hours. As the beans cook, they’ll soften and absorb all that savory goodness from the sausages, seasonings, and veggies.

Step 6: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

If you like a thicker, creamier texture, use the back of a spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in. This releases the starch and thickens the broth naturally.

Step 7: Cook the Rice

While the beans are finishing up, cook your white rice separately. I recommend using 4-5 cups of cooked rice to serve alongside your red beans.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon a generous helping of the red beans over a bed of fluffy white rice. Don’t forget to ladle that delicious broth over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions and a splash of hot sauce if you like a little extra heat.

Expert Tips and Tricks

✅ Don’t Skip the Sausages: The combo of smoked sausage and chicken Andouille adds layers of flavor. If you can’t find chicken Andouille, go with regular Andouille or smoked sausage.
✅ Use Homemade Stock: Swap out water for homemade chicken or beef stock to boost the richness.
✅ Thicken It Up: For an even creamier consistency, mash about 1/4 of the beans and stir them back into the pot.
✅ Add a Ham Hock: For that extra Southern touch, throw in a smoked ham hock while cooking. It adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish.
✅ Season to Taste: Start with 1 tablespoon of Creole Kick seasoning and adjust to your taste. Add more for an extra punch of flavor.
✅ Go Low and Slow: If you have more time, set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-9 hours for even deeper flavor development.

15 Variations to Try

1. Spicy Red Beans: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
2. Vegan Version: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
3. Turkey Sausage Twist: Swap out regular sausage for turkey sausage to lighten it up.
4. Bacon Infusion: Add crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky bite.
5. Add Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers add sweetness and a pop of color.
6. Smoked Turkey Neck: Replace ham hock with smoked turkey neck for a lighter version.
7. Cajun Style: Double up on the Creole seasoning and add some hot sauce for a real Louisiana flair.
8. Kid-Friendly Version: Use mild sausage and reduce the spice for a more family-friendly dish.
9. Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme and parsley for an aromatic touch.
10. Tomato Base: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes for a Creole-inspired twist.
11. Add Shrimp: Toss in some shrimp during the last 10-15 minutes for a seafood twist.
12. Smoked Chicken Version: Use smoked chicken in place of sausage for a leaner option.
13. Add Okra: For a true Southern touch, add sliced okra near the end of cooking.
14. Gumbo-Inspired: Add a roux at the start for a thicker, heartier consistency.
15. Extra Creamy Version: Stir in a little heavy cream at the end for a rich and creamy finish.

What to Serve with Crockpot Red Beans and Rice

Pair your red beans and rice with these delicious sides:

1. Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is the perfect companion.
2. Garlic Bread: Toasty and buttery, it’s great for soaking up that flavorful broth.
3. Collard Greens: Add some Southern flair with a side of braised greens.
4. Coleslaw: A fresh and crunchy contrast to the rich beans.
5. Fried Okra: Crispy and golden, a true Southern favorite.
6. Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy goodness pairs perfectly.
7. Grilled Vegetables: Lighten things up with some charred veggies.
8. Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits: Add a little spice and cheesy goodness.
9. Potato Salad: Creamy and tangy, a great contrast to the beans.
10. Pickled Vegetables: Bright and tangy to cut through the richness.
11. Hot Sauce on the Side: Give your guests the option to dial up the heat.
12. Baked Sweet Potatoes: A slightly sweet balance to the savory beans.
13. Sautéed Green Beans: Quick and easy with a hint of garlic.
14. Hush Puppies: Deep-fried goodness that complements any Southern meal.
15. Fried Catfish: Add a seafood option for a complete Southern feast.

Storage Tips

✅ Refrigerate: Let the red beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
✅ Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. Red beans and rice will last for 2-3 months in the freezer.
✅ Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

How Much Crockpot Red Beans and Rice Should I Make for Family Gatherings?

If you’re feeding a crowd, here’s a quick guide:

• 4-6 people: Stick with the original recipe using 1 lb of beans.
• 10-12 people: Double the recipe and use 2 lbs of beans with 12 cups of water.
• 20+ people: Triple the recipe and use 3 lbs of beans with 18 cups of water.

Pro Tip: For large gatherings, serve the rice and beans separately so folks can build their plate just the way they like it.

How Far in Advance Can I Make Crockpot Red Beans and Rice?

This dish is perfect for making ahead! In fact, the flavors get even better after a day or two.

✅ Make It 1-2 Days Ahead: Prepare the red beans and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on warm before serving.
✅ Freeze for Later: Cook and cool the red beans completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

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Crockpot Red Beans and Rice: Slow-Cooked Southern Comfort

5 from 1 vote

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 6 hours hrs

Rest Time: 15 minutes mins

Total: 6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8

This slow-cooked classic delivers bold Southern flavor with minimal effort. Tender red beans soak up all the smoky goodness from Andouille and smoked sausage, while a rich broth seasoned with Creole spices ties it all together. Serve over fluffy white rice and top with green onions and hot sauce for the perfect bowl of comfort.

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Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 lb dried red beans
• ▢ 1 link chicken Andouille sausage quartered
• ▢ 1 link smoked sausage sliced
• ▢ 1 yellow onion diced
• ▢ 1 celery rib diced
• ▢ 4 garlic cloves minced
• ▢ 3 bay leaves
• ▢ 6 cups water
• ▢ 2 beef bouillon cubes
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Creole Kick seasoning blend or Cajun seasoning
• ▢ 4 –5 cups cooked white rice
• ▢ Chopped green onions optional, for garnish
• ▢ Hot sauce optional, for extra kick

Instructions 

• Prep the Beans:
• Rinse the dried red beans under cold water, swirling to remove dirt or debris. Drain well. No need to pre-soak—let the slow cooker do the work.
• Chop Ingredients:
• Dice onion and celery, and mince garlic. Quarter the chicken Andouille and slice the smoked sausage.
• Assemble in Crockpot:
• Add rinsed beans, chopped vegetables, sausages, garlic, bay leaves, bouillon cubes, and Creole Kick seasoning to a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
• Add Water:
• Pour in 6 cups of water. Stir to evenly distribute seasonings and ingredients.
• Cook:
• Cover and cook on High for 6 hours, or until beans are tender and the broth is flavorful.
• Thicken (Optional):
• For a creamier texture, use the back of a spoon to mash some of the beans against the crockpot wall, then stir them back into the mixture.
• Cook Rice:
• While the beans finish, prepare 4–5 cups of cooked white rice according to package instructions.
• Serve:
• Spoon the red beans and sausage mixture over a bed of rice. Ladle broth over the top, and garnish with chopped green onions and a splash of hot sauce if desired.

Notes

No Soak Needed: Slow cooking removes the need for overnight soaking.

Creole Kick Substitute: Use Cajun or Creole seasoning if needed.

Control the Spice: Add more hot sauce or cayenne to kick up the heat.

Creamier Texture: Mash some beans during the final hour for a thicker sauce.

Storage Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezes beautifully for 2 months.

Double It: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and use a 6–7 quart slow cooker.

Sausage Options: Swap in turkey sausage or all-Andouille based on preference.

Make It Smokier: Add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

Serve with: Cornbread, pickled onions, or a side salad for a full Southern meal.

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