Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
If you’re looking for a fantastic rice recipe that packs a punch, then you have to try our Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice. Made with andouille sausage, red kidney beans, and Zatarains rice, this Instant Pot Red Beans and rice dish is super delicious! It comes out perfectly tender every…single…time!
Contents
Are Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice Good?
Yes. My family loves this pressure cooker beans and rice recipe. Here’s the reasons why:
- Effortless Cooking: You can make Red Beans and Rice with minimal hassle. Simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the pot do the work for you.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: This dish is packed with rich, savory flavors from the red beans and perfectly cooked rice.
- Versatile Meal: Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice can be a standalone dish or served as a side.
If you love this recipe be sure to check out our Instant Pot Spanish Rice and Instant Pot Mexican Beans recipes.
Ingredients For Red Beans And Rice
- Sausage: Turkey sausage can be used in this recipe to add a savory and flavorful element to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the ingredients, adding richness and depth of flavor.
- Diced Onions: Sweet onions are recommended for this dish as they contribute an additional layer of flavor.
- Bell Pepper: Used to add color and a subtle sweetness.
- Minced Garlic: Used to add a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Red Kidney Beans: Provide a hearty and protein-packed base for the recipe.
- Broth: Enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds a spicy and flavorful kick to the dish, infusing it with Cajun-inspired taste.
- Bay Leaves: Contribute a subtle earthy flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Add depth and balance to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Rice: We use cooked Zatarains parboiled long rice. (Precooked in the Instant Pot) but you can use regular white long grain white rice.
How To Make Red Beans And Rice?
Step One: Hit the sauté button on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and begin cooking the andouille sausage until it begins to brown. Remove it, and set it to the side.
Step Two: Add more oil to the Instant Pot and add the onions and bell pepper. Cook the veggies until they become soft or about 3 minutes. Once the onion and bell pepper are soft, add the garlic.
Step Three: Once the veggies are cooked, use a wooden spoon and some water to scrape any particles from the bottom of your pot. Next, add in the kidney beans and chicken stock and stir. Next, add in the thyme, cajun seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir. Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes followed by a quick release.
Step Four: Once the steam has been released, open the lid and remove the bay leaves. Then, use a potato masher and smash the beans about 6-7 times to release the flavors. Serve over the hot cooked rice and enjoy!
Pro Tips To Nail This Beans And Rice Dish
- Soak Beans: Pre-soaking beans overnight ensures even cooking and reduces cooking time from 30 minutes to 20 minutes.
- Use Smoked Sausage: It adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Deglaze Pot: After sautéing sausage, deglaze with liquid to prevent burning and add flavor.
Possible Variations You May Want To Try
- Cajun Twist: Add Cajun seasoning and use Andouille sausage for a Louisiana-inspired version of this dish.
- Southwest Style: Incorporate diced green chilies and top with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a Southwestern take.
- Tex-Mex Variation: Use chorizo sausage and add some corn and black beans, then top with avocado and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Pacific Northwest Flair: Swap the sausage with smoked salmon for a Pacific Northwest touch. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh dill.
Optional Substitutions
- Red Bell Peppers: If unavailable, green bell peppers are a suitable replacement.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic can be used as an alternative.
- Chicken Stock: Vegetable or beef broth can be used in its place.
- White Rice: Brown rice or basmati rice can be substituted.
- Red Beans: Replace with black beans but adjust cooking times as needed (typically 25 mins for Instant Pot Black Beans ). Refer to our black beans recipe for guidance. You can use canned beans or cooked beans, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they require less time than uncooked beans.
Best Way To Store Leftover Beans And Rice
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely. Store it in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Defrosting (if frozen): Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If in a rush, you can also use the defrost function on your microwave.
- Reheating: Warm up the dish in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish. Be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
What To Serve With Red Beans And Rice
- Cornbread: A Southern classic, cornbread pairs perfectly with this dish, adding a sweet and crumbly contrast.
- Salad: A simple green salad can add a light, crisp component to your meal.
- Asparagus: Steamed or grilled, it makes a delicious accompaniment.
- Steamed Vegetables: A medley of these can add color and variety to your plate.
- Mixed Berry Smoothie: Serve your delicious beans and rice dish with a refreshing berry smoothie.
FAQ’S
Should I Use High Pressure Cooking For Red Beans And Rice?
Yes, utilize the high-pressure setting for efficient and thorough cooking of both beans and rice.
How Can I Add Flavor To This Recipe?
Adding chicken andouille sausage, hot sauce, and chicken broth will enhance the flavor of your dish.
How Do I Avoid Excess Salt?
Be cautious with additional salt, as sausage, hot sauce, and chicken broth already contribute to the flavor.
Can I Add Green Onions For Garnish?
Yes, enhance the dish by adding chopped green onions as a flavorful garnish.
Can I Use A Ham Hock To This Recipe?
Yes, adding a ham hock will lend a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. Switch the sausage for ham if you wish.
What If There’s Too Much Liquid After Cooking?
You can switch to the manual setting on your Instant Pot and let it simmer until the desired consistency is achieved. Ensure not to add too much liquid initially and use natural pressure release to control consistency.
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Sausage
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Onion diced
- 1/2 Cup Bell Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 Pound Red Kidney Beans dried beans
- 6 Cups Broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Cups Rice
Instructions
- Hit the sauté button on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and begin cooking the andouille sausage until it begins to brown. Remove it, and set it to the side.
- Add more oil to the Instant Pot and add the onions and bell pepper. Cook the veggies until they become soft or about 3 minutes. Once the onion and bell pepper are soft, add the garlic.
- Once the veggies are cooked, use a wooden spoon and some water to scrape any particles from the bottom of your pot.
- Next, add in the kidney beans and chicken stock and stir. Next, add in the thyme, cajun seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and put the sealing valve in the sealing position. Set the pressure cook button to cook on high pressure. Set the Instant Pot to cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the time is up, do a quick release by turning the sealing valve to the venting position.
- Once the steam has been released, open the lid and remove the bay leaves. Then, use a potato masher and smash the beans about 6-7 times to release the flavors.
- Serve over the hot cooked rice and enjoy!
