Recipe: Crockpot Red Beans and Rice

I am not a bean fan, really, but I do try them from time to time.  One dish I actually do happen to like after trying it in New Orleans is red beans and rice.  I think the key is the right bean.  I am very picky about my beans.  No kidney beans for me, thank you very much.  Anyway, I came across this recipe  and decided to give it a try with a couple modifications.

Red Beans and Rice

First off, this recipe was super, duper easy.  I mean really easy!  Especially as I had the onions and peppers in the freezer already diced.  I like easy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound bag of small red beans
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 4 ounces of ham or smoked sausage diced (not hot or italian style). Andouille sausage would be great if you can get it.
  • 3 tablespoons cajun seasoning blend of choice
  • 7-1/2 cups of water
  • Cooked rice for serving

Everything into the pool except for the rice, stir and cover. Cook on high for 7 hours.  That’s it! After 7 hours, I turned it down to low and just left it for another hour or so.  John cooked up some rice and we were all set.

The beans were nice and soft and not grainy at all (my biggest peeve with beans).  I was a little worried that it might be too salty, but considering this made about 8 cups of beans, it was pretty much right on.

I portioned this out and froze a bunch for future meals.  Very economical and tasty!

Red Beans and Rice

 

If you don’t think you like beans, give this a try.  Coming from someone who doesn’t like them actually eating and enjoying them – they are good!

10 thoughts on “Recipe: Crockpot Red Beans and Rice

  1. Suzanne

    This is great…I have been meaning to FINALLY use beans from a bag–I have yet to soak beans. I don’t know why! But this recipe is SO simple, and I don’t have to start it the night before! Looks yummy, thank you!

  2. barbara

    Lori!
    For some unbelievably amazing beans, try Ranch Gordo Beans, (ranchogordo.com) he has found ancient heirloom bean varieties, and started to grow them, organically, of course…my daughter found them a few years ago…the flavor is like nothing you have ever tasted. I think you would be so happy with them…buttery…some varieties when cooked with just a few spices, drizzle with some Extra Virgin Olive oil, wow. John will like them! I have to get you the names of some of our favorites, and I will. I think you will be a bean convert for sure!!
    Barb

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