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)

4.34 from 12 votes

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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  4. BEST Chili Recipe Ever! (classic beef chili)
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (2024)

FAQs

How healthy are red beans and rice? ›

Rice and Beans Are Protein-Packed Foods

They provide you with healthy plant-based protein, coming in at around 12 grams of protein per cup. These winning sides contain amino acids that blend together to make complete proteins. Most people do not get enough complete protein in their diets.

Is it healthy to eat rice and beans every day? ›

The combination of rice and beans gives you even more protein and fiber, as well as other important vitamins and minerals, like folate. Although it probably won't harm you to eat rice and beans every day, it's best to include a variety of nutritious foods in your diet for complete nutrition.

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.

What is red kidney bean poisoning? ›

According to the Food and Drug Administration's Bad Bug Book, dried red kidney beans and cannellini beans contain toxic levels of lectin—proteins that bind to carbohydrates—and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness for several hours when not cooked properly.

Is it OK to eat red beans everyday? ›

Nutritionists often recommend beans as part of a healthy diet because of their high nutritional value. Like other beans, kidney beans can be counted as both a protein source or a vegetable. Eating at least a half-cup of beans per day can improve overall health.

Are red beans healthy for weight loss? ›

Like all legumes, red beans are an ideal component of any weight management diet, whether to promote weight loss or prevent weight gain. Their high-protein content makes red beans more satiating, meaning you're more likely to feel fuller longer after eating them.

What is the healthiest bean to eat? ›

The 7 Healthiest Beans to Eat, According to Dietitians
  1. Lentils. Lentils are rich in polyphenols, plant-based compounds that have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. ...
  2. White Beans. ...
  3. Black Beans. ...
  4. Chickpeas. ...
  5. Pinto Beans. ...
  6. Red Kidney Beans. ...
  7. Lupini Beans.
Aug 14, 2023

Are beans healthier than broccoli? ›

Broccoli is a great source of Vitamin K and calcium. Green bean has more alpha-carotene than broccoli, however, broccoli contains more lutein + zeaxanthin than green bean. Both green bean and broccoli are high in Vitamin C, dietary fiber and potassium.

What is the 7 day rice diet? ›

The 7-Day Rice Diet calls for three meals based on the four food groups (an improvement on most popular diets) and limits foods high in fat, cholesterol and sodium. The 13 recipes that are part of the 7-Day Rice Diet conform strictly to the parameters of the diet.

What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  • Raw Meat.
  • Seafood.
  • Pasta.
  • Rice.
  • Delicate Vegetables.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  • Dairy.
  • Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

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.

Why not to eat red kidney beans? ›

Eating raw or undercooked kidney beans can lead to food poisoning, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Only a few beans are needed to cause poisoning.

Which beans are not good for the kidneys? ›

Control of phosphorus often is difficult for kidney failure patients. High-phosphorus foods to eliminate include: Beans (red, black, and white) Black-eyed peas.

How to make red kidney beans safe to eat? ›

Dried kidney beans need soaking and should be cooked carefully because they contain toxins on the outer skin when raw, which are rendered harmless by boiling; canned beans need just draining, rinsing and reheating. They're great in mixed bean salads and stews such as chilli con carne.

Is red beans and rice high in cholesterol? ›

Each serving contains about 274 calories, 11 g protein, 5 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 48 g carbohydrates, 10 g fiber, and 6 mg sodium.

Are red beans and rice from Popeyes healthy? ›

Popeye's red beans and rice dish is a good source of fiber, with 6 or 15 grams of dietary fiber, depending on your serving size. This is 15 to 53 percent of recommended fiber needs, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Are red beans the healthiest? ›

Healthy benefit: Red beans are exceptionally nutritious and give fundamental supplements like protein, dietary fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They are likewise low in fat and without cholesterol, making them a solid expansion to a fair eating routine.

Do red beans and rice have a lot of sodium? ›

If you want real Cajun, you have to try red beans and rice. Often, this simple dish is loaded with fat and sodium.

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