If you love hearty, soul-warming meals that bring a taste of Louisiana right to your table, this Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It captures the essence of classic Creole cooking with creamy red beans, smoky andouille sausage, and a perfect blend of aromatic veggies and spices, all cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s ready in just about an hour, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to build layers of authentic, rich flavors. Each component plays a key role—from the smoky sausage to the medley of vegetables and fragrant herbs, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided): For a perfect sauté that develops rich flavor without sticking.
- 12 ounces andouille sausage (cut into ½-inch pieces): Adds smoky, spicy depth and hearty texture.
- 1 small sweet onion (diced): Provides natural sweetness and balances the spices.
- 3 stalks celery (diced): Lends a subtle earthy crunch and classic Creole base.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Brightens the dish with its fresh, slightly bitter notes.
- 4 cloves garlic (crushed): Infuses pungent, aromatic warmth throughout.
- 4 cups vegetable broth (regular sodium): Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that softens and flavors the beans.
- 1 pound red beans (rinsed and drained): The hearty, creamy foundation of the dish, packed with protein.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and complexity.
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings smoky sweetness and vivid color.
- ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a tempting, mild kick of heat.
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried): Introduces a fragrant herbaceous background.
- ½ teaspoon basil (dried): Adds a subtle sweet and peppery touch.
- ½ teaspoon thyme (dried): Elevates the earthiness with herbal warmth.
- 2 teaspoons salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors, bringing them together perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides gentle heat and spice balance.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle aromatic depth as the beans cook.
- 1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed for 1 minute): The classic and fluffy base for serving.
- 2 cups water: To cook the rice to tender perfection.
- Hot sauce (optional): For those who like an extra fiery kick.
- Parsley (finely chopped, optional): Adds fresh color and brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by setting your 6-quart Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add one tablespoon of oil and toss in the andouille sausage pieces. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop that beautiful golden-brown color and smoky aroma. Once browned, scoop them out and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. This step builds a rich, savory foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
With the sausage removed, pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil and add your diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re softened but still vibrant. Then add the crushed garlic and cook for one more minute. This fragrant veggie medley is essential in giving the red beans their classic Creole flavor.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot. This ensures that no browned bits are stuck, preventing the dreaded “burn” warning and capturing every bit of flavor that developed during the sauté steps.
Step 4: Build Your Bean Base
Now for the magic moment — add the rinsed red beans and the browned sausage back into the pot. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and toss in the bay leaves. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors perfectly before cooking.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Beans
Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 50 to 55 minutes, depending on your texture preference—50 minutes if you like your beans a bit firmer and 55 minutes for a softer, creamier finish. After cooking, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to let the flavors settle and the beans continue softening gently.
Step 6: Prepare the Rice
While the beans are cooking, simply rinse your white rice for about a minute, then cook it on the stovetop with 2 cups of water according to package instructions. This creates the perfect fluffy bed for your flavorful beans and sausage.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serving
Once pressure is released, carefully vent and open the Instant Pot lid. Remove the bay leaves, giving your beans a final stir. Now your Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe is ready to be plated and enjoyed!
How to Serve Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a beautiful garnish that adds a pop of bright green color and a fresh note to this hearty dish. For those who crave a little extra heat, a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce will amplify the flavors perfectly without overpowering the spices.
Side Dishes
This dish is mighty filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or lightly sautéed greens like kale or collard greens. Cornbread or crusty French bread also complement the creamy beans and add texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe in a hollowed-out bell pepper or over a bed of cheesy grits. You can even turn it into a stuffed baked potato topping for a unique twist. The possibilities to dress up this classic are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover red beans and rice keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making for even tastier leftovers. Just be sure to store the rice and beans together to maintain the creamy consistency.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion the beans with rice into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. It’s just as comforting the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use dried sausage instead of andouille?
Andouille sausage gives this recipe its signature smoky, spicy flavor, but you can substitute with smoked kielbasa or chorizo if you prefer. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Do I need to soak the red beans before cooking?
This recipe is designed for using unsoaked red beans directly in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking heats and softens the beans efficiently, so no soaking is necessary or recommended here.
What if I want the dish less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and choose a milder sausage. You can always add hot sauce at the table for anyone wanting more kick.
Can I cook the rice in the Instant Pot along with the beans?
Because the cooking times and liquid requirements differ, it’s best to cook the rice separately on the stovetop to get perfectly tender grains without becoming mushy.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
The classic recipe includes sausage, but you can easily make it vegan by skipping the sausage and using vegetable broth with smoked paprika and liquid smoke for a smoky flavor. It’s a fantastic option if you want all the flavor with a plant-based twist.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It combines robust, comforting flavors with the convenience of modern cooking, making it a go-to for any day you crave something nourishing and deeply satisfying. Give it a try—I promise it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Print
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe offers a flavorful, hearty meal combining tender red beans cooked with andouille sausage and aromatic vegetables, all perfectly seasoned with spices and herbs. The dish is easy to prepare using the Instant Pot for a quick and satisfying classic Southern comfort food experience, served over fluffy white rice.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided)
- 12 ounces andouille sausage (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- 1 small sweet onion (diced)
- 3 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
Beans and Seasonings
- 4 cups vegetable broth (regular sodium)
- 1 pound red beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- ½ teaspoon basil (dried)
- ½ teaspoon thyme (dried)
- 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Rice and Garnishes
- 1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed for 1 minute)
- 2 cups water
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Cook sausage: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode, add 1 tablespoon of oil, and cook the andouille sausage pieces for 3-4 minutes until they start browning. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- Cook veggies: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pot along with diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add crushed garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
- Make base: Add the rinsed red beans, browned sausage, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir everything to combine well.
- Cook the base: Seal the Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 50-55 minutes depending on your bean texture preference (50 for firmer beans, 55 for softer). Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release after cooking.
- Cook the rice: While the beans cook, prepare the rice on the stovetop using 1 cup rice and 2 cups water according to package directions.
- Release the pressure: After the natural release, carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining steam and remove the lid.
- Remove bay leaves: Locate and discard the bay leaves from the bean mixture.
- Serve: Spoon the red beans and sausage over the cooked white rice. Add hot sauce and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
- For extra depth, you can add a smoked ham hock along with the sausage.
- Red beans soak is optional here because of the pressure cooking but rinsing thoroughly is important.
- Leftovers store well and flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
- Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt accordingly if you want to control sodium intake.
