Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting one-pot meal inspired by classic New Orleans cuisine. Smoky sausage, tender red beans, and perfectly seasoned vegetables come together in a rich, savory sauce served over fluffy white rice all in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove.

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Ingredients

Meat & Aromatics

• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced ½-inch thick (or smoked sausage)
• 1 heaping cup diced ham
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 ribs celery, finely diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped and divided

Beans & Liquid

• 1 pound dried red beans (New Orleans Camelia brand preferred)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups water

Seasonings

• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ¾ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3 bay leaves

Finishing Touches

• 1 cup salsa
• ½ cup fresh chopped parsley

For Serving

• Cooked white long-grain rice
• Hot sauce, optional

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans:
   Rinse dried red beans and remove any debris or small stones. No soaking is required.
2. Sauté Sausage:
   Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown the sausage slices until golden on both sides. Remove sausage to a plate and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   Add the remaining oil to the pot. Sauté garlic and onions until onions are translucent. Stir in celery, bell pepper, and half of the chopped green onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. Pressure Cook the Beans:
   Add red beans, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir to combine.
   Seal the Instant Pot and set to Manual / High Pressure for 55 minutes, then allow a 15-minute natural release.
5. Mash for Creaminess:
   Remove bay leaves. Scoop about 1½ cups of the cooked beans into a bowl and mash until smooth, or blend in a food processor. Stir the mashed beans back into the pot to thicken the sauce.
6. Add Finishing Ingredients:
   Stir in salsa, parsley, cooked sausage, and diced ham. Turn Instant Pot to Sauté and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the desired consistency is reached. Add up to 1 cup additional water or broth if too thick.
7. Serve:
   Spoon red beans and sausage mixture over hot white rice. Garnish with remaining green onions and season with hot sauce if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Cuts down traditional cooking time from hours to under 2.
• Authentic New Orleans flavor: Smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and tender beans.
• Comforting and hearty: Perfect for chilly nights or family dinners.
• Versatile: Can adjust spice and thickness to your preference.

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Tips

• No soaking needed: Instant Pot handles dried beans perfectly without pre-soaking.
• Mash some beans: Creates a creamy texture without using dairy.
• Adjust spice level: Reduce or omit hot peppers and Cajun seasoning if desired.
• Deglaze the pot: Scrape any browned bits off the bottom to avoid burn warnings.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute andouille sausage with smoked kielbasa or chorizo.
• Use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Add extra vegetables like carrots or okra for variety.
• Replace white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
• Swap salsa for tomato paste and diced tomatoes if you prefer a less tangy flavor.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and flavors deepen after a day in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, but cooking time will need to be reduced. Use about 3–4 cans of drained beans and cook for 10–15 minutes on high pressure.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve over steaming white rice for the classic experience.
• Top with chopped green onions, hot sauce, or fresh parsley.
• Pair with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete Southern-style meal.
• Perfect for game day, meal prep, or family gatherings — feeds a crowd with minimal effort.