Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish brings the classic Cajun flavors of tender red beans, smoky sausage, and aromatic spices right to your table. And the best part? Thanks to the Instant Pot, you don’t need to soak the beans overnight! With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a taste of New Orleans at home. Let’s get started!
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice:
🧈 1 tablespoon olive oil
🌭 1 pound smoked sausage (andouille or beef), sliced
🧅 1 large yellow onion, minced
🌿 4 stalks celery, minced
🫑 1 green bell pepper, diced
🧄 1 tablespoon minced garlic
💧 3 cups water
🍗 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
🥄 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
🍃 3 bay leaves
🌶️ 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
🧂 Kosher salt (to taste, added after cooking)
🍚 Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
🌱 Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Hot sauce for extra spice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for deeper flavor
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice:
- Sauté the Sausage: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode (normal heat). Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Cook the Veggies: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot. Once melted, add the minced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the onions are softened and slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Hit Cancel to turn off Sauté mode. Add 1 cup of water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This prevents a burn notice.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the remaining 2 cups of water and 3 cups of low-sodium chicken stock. Stir in the dried thyme, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning.
- Add Beans and Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add 1 pound of rinsed and sorted dried red kidney beans. Stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, ensuring the venting knob is set to Sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (High) for 50 minutes.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes. This ensures the beans are tender and creamy.
- Thicken the Beans: Open the lid and remove the bay leaves. Use a spoon or potato masher to mash some of the beans, stirring them back into the mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and add kosher salt as needed (start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust). Serve the red beans over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
🍴 Pro Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or ham for extra protein.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and use vegetable stock. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Cooking Methods: This dish can also be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, though cooking times will vary.
For more Instant Pot inspiration, check out our Top 10 Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Nights.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Looking for more make-ahead meals? Try Best Freezer-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes for easy dinners!
🍽️ Recipe Card (Structured Data)
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes (pressure cooking) + 20 minutes (natural release)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 450 per serving
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Leave a review below!)
