Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe

There’s just something magical about a big hearty bowl of Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice—it’s comfort food at its finest, loaded with smoky sausage, creamy beans, and just the right kick of Cajun spice. This easy, one-pot wonder captures all the soulful flavor of the New Orleans classic and brings it fast to your table—no soaking, no fuss, just pure Southern goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is how the simplest, down-to-earth ingredients come together for truly explosive flavor. Don’t skip any! Each lends its own unique texture, heartiness, or pop of color to the dish.

• Andouille sausage: That smoky, spicy kick is classic, but smoked sausage works in a pinch if you can’t find the real deal.
• Diced ham: Adds irresistible savoriness and meaty bites scattered throughout.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and browning the meat, building layers of flavor directly in your pot.
• Garlic and onion: The backbone of any great Cajun dish, these bring warmth and depth as your base.
• Celery, green bell pepper, and green onions: These classic vegetables add wonderful crunch and that iconic Louisiana “trinity.”
• Dried red beans: Ideally Camelia brand for authentic creaminess, but any dried red beans work—just DON’T use canned!
• Chicken broth and water: The mix provides savory flavor and the right cook for your beans.
• Cajun seasoning, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaves: They create the signature lively, earthy, herby spice that defines red beans and rice.
• Salsa: Adds tang, color, and a little zip—just trust me, it works wonders.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a burst of herbal freshness into every bite.
• Cooked white long-grain rice: The classic base to soak up all that rich, soupy goodness.
• Hot sauce: For drizzling on top—adjust heat to suit your crew.

Variations

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is endlessly adaptable, so you can tweak it to suit your pantry, taste preferences, or even dietary needs. Here are a few creative ways to make it truly your own:

• Vegetarian Twist: Leave out the ham and sausage, and pile in more sautéed veggies or even smoked paprika for that deep, hearty flavor.
• Swap the Proteins: Try chicken or bacon instead of sausage—just be sure to brown them first and set aside, so they don’t overcook in the Instant Pot.
• Dial Up the Spice: Add extra Cajun seasoning, toss in a pinch of cayenne, or drizzle with more hot sauce for folks who love serious heat.
• Other Beans: Black beans or pinto beans work in a pinch—just don’t use canned, or you’ll lose that signature creamy texture.

How to Make Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Step 1: Rinse and Prep the Beans

Start by giving your dried red beans a quick rinse in a colander, checking for any little stones or shriveled beans. Don’t worry about soaking—one of the major perks of the Instant Pot is that it cooks dried beans to creamy perfection, no overnight bath required!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Flip your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of oil. Arrange the sausage slices in a single layer and brown both sides for a couple of minutes—this builds a rich base and infuses the beans with smoky goodness. Once golden, set the sausage aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics & Veggies

Add the rest of the olive oil, then sauté garlic and onions until soft and fragrant. Next, toss in the celery, green bell pepper, and HALF the green onions. Cook until the veggies start to soften—this is where all the flavor magic really happens.

Step 4: Layer in Beans, Seasoning & Broth

Pour in your rinsed beans, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Follow with chicken broth and water. Give everything a gentle stir, scraping the bottom, so nothing’s stuck and all those savory bits get worked in.

Step 5: Pressure Cook & Mash

Secure the lid and set to Manual/High Pressure for 55 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam. Pop out the bay leaves, scoop out 1 ½ cups of the beans, mash until smooth, and stir them back in for the creamiest texture.

Step 6: Simmer & Finish

Switch back to sauté mode and add salsa, fresh parsley, the reserved sausages, and diced ham. Let it all bubble gently for 15 minutes, until the broth thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings; if too thick, splash in a bit more water or broth.

Step 7: Serve Over Rice

Ladle the piping hot red beans over fluffy cooked white rice. Sprinkle with the rest of the green onions, add a dash of hot sauce, and get ready to enjoy some true comfort food bliss!

How to Serve Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Garnishes

Finish your bowl with a flourish of freshly chopped green onions and a scattering of parsley for vivid color and a bit of bite. A drizzle of hot sauce adds a pop of heat—Louisiana-style, of course!—and a wedge of lemon on the side can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness nicely.

Side Dishes

This dish is truly a meal in itself, but a big green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or a pan of warm, fluffy cornbread make wonderful Southern partners. If you’re looking to really round out the feast, try sautéed greens or a simple cucumber-tomato salad alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight dinners, keep it simple and serve in deep bowls over rice. For a fun twist, spoon the beans into bread bowls or serve “family style” in a big pot, letting guests ladle their own over rice and pile on their favorite toppings. You can even make a “red beans and rice bar” with hot sauce, pickled veggies, and optional extras for a party spread everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your red beans and rice separately (beans in one container, rice in another) in the fridge. Both will keep well for up to five days when covered tightly, and separating them helps the rice from becoming mushy.

Freezing

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice freezes beautifully—let everything cool completely first, then portion the beans into airtight containers or freezer bags. It’ll keep for up to two months, and you can freeze the rice or make it fresh on the day you reheat, for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the beans in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen) and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen things up. Give your rice a quick zap with a damp paper towel over it, and you’re set for a homemade comfort meal in minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a little New Orleans spirit to your kitchen, Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is the dish to try. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and comes together with almost no effort—just perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or any time you want to treat yourself to something heartwarming. I can’t wait for you to dig in and discover your new favorite comfort food!

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