Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is a quick and easy version of the classic New Orleans dish. With the help of the pressure cooker, this recipe eliminates the need to pre-soak the beans and delivers a flavorful, hearty meal in just under an hour. The combination of smoked sausage, Cajun seasoning, and tender beans, served over rice, makes for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups white long grain rice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

• 1 pound dry red beans

• 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• ¼ teaspoon dried sage

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or more, to taste

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a large saucepan with 3 cups of water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.

2. Set a 6-qt Instant Pot® to the high sauté setting. Add olive oil and sausage. Cook, stirring frequently, until sausage is lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.

3. Add garlic, onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Stir in sausage, red beans, Cajun seasoning, oregano, basil, sage, thyme, bay leaves, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure and cook for 30-35 minutes. When finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20-30 minutes.

6. Serve immediately with rice, a dash of hot sauce, and garnish with green onions.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 15g

• Sodium: 800mg

• Fiber: 12g

• Sugars: 4g

The Essence of Red Beans and Rice

At the heart of this dish is the combination of tender red beans and fluffy white rice. Red beans are small, hearty beans that hold their shape well during cooking, absorbing all the flavors of the broth and seasonings. In traditional recipes, the beans are slow-cooked, often with pork or sausage, to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and flavorful broth. By using an Instant Pot, you can skip the long cooking time and still achieve the same great results.

White rice, particularly long-grain rice, is the perfect accompaniment to red beans. It provides a neutral base that balances out the richness of the beans and sausage, soaking up the savory broth. The rice acts as the perfect vehicle to carry the bold, spicy, and smoky flavors of the dish, ensuring every bite is satisfying and comforting. This combination of beans and rice is the cornerstone of the dish, creating a simple yet flavorful meal that is both filling and wholesome.

The Role of Smoked Andouille Sausage

One of the standout ingredients in Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is the smoked andouille sausage. This sausage, which originates in Louisiana, is packed with bold flavors, thanks to its seasoning and smoking process. The sausage provides a deep, smoky flavor that infuses the beans and broth with rich, savory notes. Its robust seasoning pairs perfectly with the aromatic vegetables and Cajun spices, creating a well-rounded dish with layers of flavor.

The sausage is sliced thin and browned in the Instant Pot, releasing its natural oils and flavor. This browning process deepens the taste and adds a slightly crispy texture to the sausage, which contrasts nicely with the creamy beans. Andouille sausage is a key ingredient in many Creole and Cajun dishes, and its presence in red beans and rice adds an authentic touch that makes the dish even more satisfying.

Aromatic Vegetables and Seasonings

No red beans and rice recipe would be complete without the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: onion, bell pepper, and celery. These vegetables are sautéed at the beginning of the cooking process, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a flavorful base for the dish. As they cook, they begin to soften, providing a savory foundation that complements the richness of the sausage and the earthiness of the beans.

The addition of garlic further enhances the flavor profile, adding a fragrant aroma and depth of taste. Once the vegetables have softened, the beans, seasonings, and broth are added to the pot, creating the flavorful, aromatic mixture that is essential to the dish. Seasonings like Cajun seasoning, oregano, basil, sage, thyme, and bay leaves are used to infuse the beans with a mix of spicy, herbal, and earthy notes. These spices give the dish its signature warmth and depth, while the fresh thyme and bay leaves add subtle aromatic undertones.

Cajun seasoning, a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices, is what gives the dish its signature heat and flavor. It adds a bit of kick without overpowering the other ingredients, striking a perfect balance between spice and depth.

The Instant Pot Advantage

Using an Instant Pot to prepare this dish offers several advantages. Traditional methods of cooking red beans and rice require hours of simmering to ensure the beans are tender and flavorful. The Instant Pot, with its high-pressure cooking, cuts down the cooking time significantly. In just 30-35 minutes under high pressure, the beans become perfectly tender, and the flavors of the sausage, seasonings, and broth meld together.

Another benefit of using the Instant Pot is that it eliminates the need to pre-soak the beans, which is typically a necessary step in traditional cooking methods. The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot allows the beans to cook to perfection without the time-consuming soak, making this dish even more convenient for busy cooks.

Additionally, the one-pot nature of the Instant Pot means there is less cleanup, as everything cooks in the same vessel. This makes it an ideal choice for quick, easy, and satisfying meals, especially when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the food.

Serving and Enjoying Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Once the Instant Pot finishes cooking and the pressure has been released naturally, the dish is ready to be served. The beans should be tender and creamy, with the sausage adding a smoky richness to the dish. The broth should be flavorful and slightly thickened, making for a comforting and hearty base.

To serve, the red beans and sausage are ladled over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the rice to absorb the delicious broth. A dash of hot sauce can be added for those who like a little extra heat, while fresh green onions provide a burst of color and a mild crunch. The dish is perfect as is but can also be paired with cornbread or a side salad to round out the meal.

The beauty of Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s a dish that will satisfy both your hunger and your craving for rich, flavorful food. The combination of tender beans, smoky sausage, and aromatic spices creates a meal that’s both filling and comforting.

Why You Should Try Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a traditional dish with minimal effort. The use of the Instant Pot allows for a faster cooking process without sacrificing flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks. The dish is hearty, flavorful, and comforting, with the smoky sausage and spicy seasoning elevating the beans to new heights. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone, from those seeking a delicious weeknight meal to those hosting a casual get-together.

The balance of spices, vegetables, sausage, and beans makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys Creole or Cajun cuisine. Additionally, the recipe is easily customizable to suit individual tastes, whether you prefer to add more heat, substitute the sausage with another protein, or make the dish entirely vegetarian by using plant-based sausage.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful version of the classic New Orleans dish. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can prepare a comforting and satisfying meal in just under an hour, without the need for pre-soaking beans or hours of simmering. The combination of tender red beans, smoky andouille sausage, and aromatic vegetables makes for a hearty and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with rice. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering, Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is sure to be a hit at the table.