Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice


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Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice is hands-down one of the best recipes to make when you’re looking for a delicious one-pot meal. Packed with flavorful andouille sausage (or kielbasa), red beans, chicken broth, fresh veggies, and seasonings – this has a quick meal prep time and your family is sure to enjoy it.

Crockpot red beans on a spoon.
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Crockpot red beans and rice is a southern food that can be enjoyed any time of the year, but especially in the fall and cold winter months. I especially enjoy this recipe because it calls for flavorful staples that yield an amazing taste once cooked. Be sure to whip up a batch of slow cooker cornbread to go with this!

Recipe Ingredients

Here is what you need to make red beans from scratch. Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the images.

Ingredients for red beans over rice on a table.
  • Red Beans: You will want to find small red beans (NOT KIDNEY BEANS). Kidney bean should not be cooked in a slow cooker (see recipe notes in the recipe card).
  • Vegetables: You’ll need a yellow onion, green bell pepper, and a celery rib, all of which will be diced before putting them into the slow cooker.
  • Sausage: Grab a 24 oz. pack of Polska kiełbasa sausage. When it comes to picking the sausage, it doesn’t have to be Polska Kielbasa, but it should be a smoked sausage of sorts. You can also use Andouille Sausage (a Louisiana favorite for red beans).
  • Chicken Broth: Used to create a tasty liquid. It will also be infused with the flavors from the sausage and seasoning.
  • Water: 2 cups water add the perfect amount of liquid, but won’t make the beans and rice recipe too runny.
  • Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, bay leaves, and Creole seasoning combine to make the best-tasting flavor for this dish.

How to Make Crockpot Red Beans and Rice

Step One – Chop and prepare all ingredients and add to a 6-quart (or bigger) slow cooker.

3 images showing how to make crockpot red beans.

Step Two – Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step Three – Cover and cook on HIGH for 6-7 Hours. In the last 2 hours of cooking, stir the beans intermittently, it will help them to cream up. Serve over white rice and enjoy!

crockpot full of red beans and rice.

Serving Suggestions

Make this meal complete with these sides:

  • Per the recipe name, the red beans and sausage can be served over white rice. If you prefer a healthier version, serve a nice helping over brown rice or cauliflower rice.
  • When it comes to pairing this delicious meal with sides, you can’t go wrong with coleslaw, corn on the cob, cornbread, a wedge salad, or collard greens. Any of these options are sure to make this comfort food a satisfying meal.
red beans over rice on a plate with a fork.
crockpot full of red beans and rice.

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Packed with kielbasa sausage, fresh vegetables, and traditional Creole seasonings – this is a one-pot meal that everyone is sure to enjoy.

How to Video

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 lb dried small red beans, (not kidney beans) No need to presoak the beans
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 celery rib, diced
  • 24 oz. polska kiełbasa sausage, sliced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp. creole seasoning, (I use Tony Chachere's creole seasoning)
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions 

  • Chop and prepare all ingredients and add to a 6 quart (or bigger) slow cooker.
  • Give a stir, then cover and cook on high for 6-7 Hours.
  • In the last 2 hours of cooking, stir the beans intermittently, it will help them to cream up.
  • Serve over white rice.

Sarah’s Notes

Can the rice be cooked with the beans?
No. You should cook the rice separately to prevent it from getting overcooked and mushy.
Why can’t kidney beans be used in a crockpot?
Do not use kidney beans – There has been some research that kidney beans have a toxin in them called phytohaemagglutinin. And since the slow cooker doesn’t come to a full boil, that toxin may not be cooked out completely. Instead, use small red beans in the slow cooker.
Can canned red beans be used instead of dried?
No, this recipe is meant for dried beans.
Should the beans be soaked overnight?
It’s not necessary to soak the red beans, cooking the beans on high will get them very tender. They will turn out absolutely delicious because the beans absorb the juice and flavors during the cooking time.

Nutrition

Calories: 648kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1445mg | Potassium: 1407mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 428IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe? Leave a comment below!

More Slow Cooker Beans Recipes

Sweet and smoky, Apple Pie Baked Beans and Baked Beans with Little Smokies are unique, crowd-pleasing sides perfect for barbecues or holiday meals.

For a hearty and flavorful combo, try Country Style Ribs and Baked Beans—a slow-cooked meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Slow Cooker Charro Beans and Pinto Beans and Chicken are packed with bold, savory flavors and make great additions to any Tex-Mex dinner.

Looking for a classic side? Slow Cooker Lima Beans are simple, buttery, and perfect alongside cornbread or ham.

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Recipe Rating




10 Comments

  1. Diane says:

    I use dried kidney beans never had a problem. That’s the basis of red beans and rice

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      I use small red beans.

      1. Janay says:

        5 stars
        What about canned red beans?

      2. Sarah Olson says:

        Canned red beans have already been cooked, so no toxin problem. Though I have not teste the recipe with canned beans for it would be entirely different.

  2. Lindsey says:

    Can any type of onion be used? Not just yellow?

  3. Dan says:

    Great recipe! On the nutritional information, what serving size is that? A cup? Two cups?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      I do not measure that, I apologize.

      1. Dan says:

        Can I cook this on low instead? How long on low?

      2. Sarah Olson says:

        It usually takes about 9-10 hours on low.

  4. Stephanie says:

    5 stars
    Delicious meal that even my kids liked! Would definitely make this again.