Crockpot Red Beans & Rice Made Easy

Crockpot Red Beans & Rice Made Easy is a easy Cajun recipe that serves 6. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Smokin' & Grillin with AB on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 6 hrs | Total: 6 hrs 50 min

Cost: $20.73 total, $3.46 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Dried Red Kidney Beans (sorted, rinsed, and boiled for 10 minutes)
  • 12 oz Cajun Smoked Sausage (cut into ½‑inch slices)
  • 8 oz Chicken Andouille Sausage (sliced)
  • 8 oz Smoked Ham Link (sliced; optional for extra smokiness)
  • 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 2 large Celery Stalks (cut into ¼‑inch dice)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced or pressed)
  • 2 tbsp Creole Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 heaping tbsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (dissolved in water)
  • 6 cup Water (room temperature)
  • 2 Bay Leaves (whole, remove before serving)
  • 2 cup Long Grain White Rice (cooked according to package directions)

Instructions

  1. Inspect and Sort Beans

    Spread the dried red beans on a clean surface, pick out any stones, debris, or cracked beans, and discard them.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Par‑Boil the Beans

    Place the sorted beans in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes. Then drain using a colander.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: boiling

  3. Prep Vegetables

    Dice the onion, slice the celery into ¼‑inch dice, and mince the garlic using a press or knife.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Slice Sausages

    Cut the Cajun smoked sausage, chicken andouille, and smoked ham link into ½‑inch rounds.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Combine All Ingredients in Slow Cooker

    Add the par‑boiled beans, diced onion, celery, garlic, all sliced sausages, bay leaves, Creole seasoning, and Better Than Bouillon to the slow cooker. Pour in 6 cups of water and stir with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Slow‑Cook

    Cover the slow cooker, set to HIGH, and cook for 6 hours. Do NOT lift the lid during cooking.

    Time: PT6H

  7. Finish and Thicken

    After 6 hours, remove the bay leaves. Using a ladle, scoop out about 1 cup of beans and mash them against the side of the pot or in a separate bowl, then stir the mash back into the pot to achieve desired thickness.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Cook Rice

    While the beans are finishing, cook 2 cups of long‑grain white rice according to package directions (about 15 minutes). Fluff and keep warm.

    Time: PT15M

  9. Serve

    Spoon a generous portion of red beans over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
13g
Fiber
11g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free if using gluten‑free bouillon, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: pork, wheat (if bouillon contains gluten)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Crockpot Red Beans & Rice Made Easy

Recipe by Smokin' & Grillin with AB

A hearty Cajun-inspired red beans and rice made in a slow cooker. Smoked sausage, chicken andouille, and a blend of Creole spices create deep flavor without heating up the kitchen. Perfect for summer evenings or any day you want a comforting Southern meal with minimal effort.

EasyCajunServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
6h 37m
Cook
51m
Cleanup
7h 53m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.73
Total cost
$3.46
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boiling the beans for 10 minutes before adding to the slow cooker
  • Never removing the lid during the 6‑hour cooking period
  • Mashing a portion of beans to achieve proper thickness

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water and boiling beans can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot slow‑cooker lid.
  • Ensure raw sausage is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Red Beans and Rice in Cajun cuisine?

A

Red beans and rice is a staple of Louisiana Cajun cooking, traditionally made on Mondays using leftover pork and beans from Sunday meals. It reflects the resourceful, one‑pot cooking style of the region and is celebrated as comfort food across the Gulf Coast.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Red Beans and Rice in the Southern United States?

A

In New Orleans the dish often includes ham hocks or tasso, while inland Cajun versions may use smoked sausage and chicken andouille. Some families add bell peppers, while others keep it simple with just onion, celery, and spices.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Red Beans and Rice traditionally served in Louisiana?

A

It is typically ladled over a mound of steaming white rice, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley, and accompanied by crusty French bread or cornbread. A dash of hot sauce on the side is common.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Red Beans and Rice traditionally associated with in Cajun culture?

A

Red beans and rice is a Monday‑night family staple, but it also appears at casual gatherings, potlucks, and Mardi Mardi celebrations because it can be prepared ahead and kept warm without much attention.

cultural
Q

What makes Red Beans and Rice special or unique in Cajun cuisine?

A

The combination of smoky sausage, earthy beans, and a bold Creole spice blend creates a deep, comforting flavor that embodies the heart of Cajun cooking—simple ingredients transformed by slow, low‑heat cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Red Beans and Rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include red kidney beans, smoked sausage or ham hocks, chicken andouille, onion, celery, garlic, Creole seasoning, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Substitutes can be turkey sausage, smoked turkey leg, or vegetable broth for a lighter version.

cultural
Q

What other Cajun dishes pair well with Red Beans and Rice?

A

Pairs beautifully with cornbread, collard greens, fried catfish, or a simple cucumber salad. A side of pickled okra adds a bright contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Red Beans and Rice?

A

Common errors include not par‑boiling the beans, lifting the slow‑cooker lid during cooking, and under‑seasoning. Skipping the mash step can also leave the dish too watery.

technical
Q

Why does this Red Beans and Rice recipe use a slow cooker instead of stovetop simmering?

A

The slow cooker provides gentle, even heat that melds the smoky sausage flavor with the beans without heating up the kitchen, making it ideal for summer cooking and hands‑off convenience.

technical
Q

Can I make Red Beans and Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the beans can be cooked a day ahead, cooled, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB focuses on Southern and barbecue‑style cooking, offering simple, low‑maintenance recipes that emphasize smoked meats, outdoor grilling, and comfort food made for hot climates.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other Cajun cooking channels?

A

Smokin' & Grillin with AB emphasizes minimal kitchen heat by using slow cookers and grills, whereas many Cajun channels rely on stovetop simmering. AB also integrates easy‑to‑find supermarket ingredients while still delivering authentic flavor.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Mexican Pinto Beans with Red Rice and Roasted Salsa
9

Mexican Pinto Beans with Red Rice and Roasted Salsa

A comforting, budget-friendly Mexican meal of tender pinto beans, fluffy tomato-flavored red rice, and a bright, spicy roasted tomatillo salsa. Finished with queso fresco and avocado, this dish is satisfying as a main or side.

2 hrs 15 minServes 6$11
Mexican
Mexican Pinto Beans with Red Rice and Roasted Salsa
11

Mexican Pinto Beans with Red Rice and Roasted Salsa

A comforting, budget-friendly Mexican meal of tender pinto beans, fluffy tomato-flavored red rice, and a bright, spicy roasted tomatillo salsa. Finished with queso fresco and avocado, this dish is satisfying as a main or side.

2 hrs 15 minServes 6$11
Mexican
How to Make Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
20

How to Make Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

A rich, creamy, and spicy Cajun classic made with dried red beans, smoked andouille sausage, the holy trinity of vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. Served over buttery rice, this one‑pot comfort meal feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

3 hrs 21 minServes 6$16
Cajun
The Best RED BEANS AND RICE (Easy One-Pot Comfort Food)
19

The Best RED BEANS AND RICE (Easy One-Pot Comfort Food)

A hearty Cajun comfort dish featuring slow‑simmered red beans, smoky Andouille sausage, and aromatic vegetables, served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for chilly winter evenings, this one‑pot meal delivers creamy beans, savory sausage, and a subtle kick of Cajun spices.

2 hrs 34 minServes 6$13
Cajun
Red beans and rice
18

Red beans and rice

A comforting Southern-style red beans and rice made with Mexican red beans, smoked ham hock, and a classic holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery. Soaked in salted water for extra creaminess, simmered low and slow, finished with a touch of sugar and vinegar, and served over fluffy brown rice cooked "pasta style". Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or make‑ahead meals.

10 hrs 4 minServes 6$7
Southern United States
Creamy Red Beans and Rice!
12

Creamy Red Beans and Rice!

A classic Cajun comfort dish of slow‑cooked red kidney beans simmered with smoky sausage and served over fluffy white rice. The beans are soaked overnight, then cooked low‑and‑slow in a crock‑pot until creamy, making a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week.

7 hrs 10 minServes 6$7
Cajun