Slow Cooker Red Beans & Rice Recipe - better than Popeyes! This is the best red beans and rice outside of New Orleans! SO easy to make and crazy delicious! Just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do all the work. Dried red beans, andouille sausage, water, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, garlic, onion, green bell pepper, and cajun seasoning - serve over hot white rice. Whip up some cornbread or biscuits for an easy meal the whole family will love! Perfect for Mardi Gras!
If using a store-bought Cajun/Creole seasoning, I suggest a salt-free seasoning to cut down on the sodium in the dish.
For an extra kick add some hot sauce and fresh chopped jalapeno.
Can use chicken broth, chicken stock, vegetable broth, or water.
Can use andouille sausage, smoked sausage, or smoked turkey sausage.
If you don't like sausage, you can use some ham hocks.
For a creamier consistency, use a potato masher to mash some of the cooked beans. If you don't have a potato masher, you can mash some of the beans on the side of the slow cooker before serving.
You can use any cooked rice that you prefer - white rice or brown rice works great. I like to use Louisiana Popcorn Rice.
Short on time? You can cook the beans on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.
Can I cook Red Beans & Rice on the stovetop? Yes! Brown the sausage in a Dutch oven or large saucepan. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 60 to 90 minutes, until the beans are tender.
It is not necessary to pan-sear the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker. I like to cook it in a skillet to give it a nice color.
Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.