Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice With Sausage

Instant pot red beans and rice with sausage is a filling dinner that comes together easily. Made with dry beans, andouille sausage, and Cajun seasoning, this classic Southern dish is flavorful and can be an entire meal on its own. Instead of cooking red beans for hours over a hot stove, you can have this meal ready in about an hour and a half, and you can walk away from your Instant Pot for most of that time.

This filling red beans and sausage recipe is delicious when served over rice. You can quickly make some rice while your red beans cool and the flavors continue to meld together. Try white jasmine rice, long-grain white rice, or wild rice in the Instant Pot.

What are Red Beans With Rice and Sausage?

Red beans with rice and sausage is a traditional Southern dish that originated in Louisiana, USA. Usually, the meal includes red kidney beans cooked alongside andouille sausage, onions, peppers, garlic, and a variety of spices such as Cajun seasoning and thyme. It’s usually served by the scoopful over white rice which absorbs the flavorful sauce created by the beans and sausage. It’s a hearty and comforting meal.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice With Sausage?

In my opinion, you don’t need to serve anything with this recipe as it’s really filling on its own. But, here are a few options if you need to fill out the recipe a bit:

• Cornbread Muffins
• Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans
• Coleslaw
• Garlic bread
• Crusty bread

Instead of rice, you could also serve this over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

What toppings are great with Red Beans and Rice With Sausage?

This is a delicious dish on its own, but if you want to add a little something to the top, you can. It will look pretty and add a touch of flavor. Here are some ideas:

• Sliced scallions
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Hot sauce
• Sour cream

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound dry kidney beans, rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 cups cooked rice

How to Make

STEP ONE: Saute the sausage. Turn your instant pot on sauté mode. Add the oil to the bottom of the Instant Pot then add the sausage. Saute until the sausage starts to brown. Remove from the instant pot and transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Set aside.

STEP TWO: Saute the vegetables. Add more oil to the Instant Pot. Add the onions and red bell peppers. Saute until the onions start to turn translucent. Add the garlic. Saute for 1 minute.

STEP THREE: Add the rest of the ingredients. To the sauteed vegetables, add the dry beans, chicken stock, thyme, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir.

STEP FOUR: Cook. Put the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to seal. Set to high pressure for 65 minutes. When the time is up, let the Instant Pot do a quick release and turn the valve to release the pressure. Remove the bay leaves.

STEP FIVE: Mash the beans. Using a potato masher, mash the beans several times. Add the sausage back to the pot, and cover for a few minutes to reheat the sausage.

STEP SIX: Serve. Serve hot with rice.

Notes and Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality andouille sausage. A lot of the flavor of this recipe comes from the sausage, so a flavorful, good-quality sausage will make a big difference.
• Use a flavorful broth for the best results.
• If you don’t have andouille sausage, try kielbasa polish sausage instead.
• For spicier red beans, add cayenne or smoked paprika. You can also use spicy andouille or another spicy sausage.

How to store leftover Red Beans and Rice With Sausage?

Store leftover red beans and rice with sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can I freeze leftover Red Beans and Rice With Sausage?

Yes, leftover red beans and rice with sausage can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.

To reheat, use the microwave. Reheat in 30-45 second intervals until hot through. Stir frequently. Add a little more broth if you need to thin the sauce back out.

FAQs

You May Also Enjoy:

• Pork Roast (Instant Pot)
• Instant Pot Chicken Stew
• Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya