featured 10894

Cajun Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice Recipe

A New Orleans favorite, this Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice is hearty, creamy, and rich with Southern spice.

A spoon resting in a slow cooker with red beans and rice.
Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice Recipe

We enjoy red beans and rice year-round; while some consider it a cold-weather comfort food, in Louisiana it’s served any time of year.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What makes this recipe so yummy

  • This is satisfying, stick-to-the-ribs comfort food.
  • The slow cooker method lets you dump everything in and go about your day.
  • Smoked and andouille sausages combined with Cajun seasoning create deep, layered flavor.
  • It’s classic Southern comfort—perfect for hearty family meals.
  • Great for Mardi Gras or any celebration where big flavor is wanted.
  • Pairs beautifully with fried chicken or warm French bread.

Groceries you’ll need: Ingredients

Overhead shot of ingredients needed to make a slow cooker Cajun red beans and rice recipe.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Slow Cooker Red Beans And Rice Recipe Instructions

This overview highlights the main steps. For full details, consult the recipe card below.

An overhead image of a crock pot filled with ingredients needed to make a Cajun red beans and rice recipe.
Step 1: Add the dry beans and all ingredients to the slow cooker.
A slow cooker cajun red beans and rice recipe with water being poured in.
Step 2: Pour in the water, stir to combine.
Step 3: Cover and cook on high for about 6 hours.
  • Step 4: When the beans are tender, mash some against the side of the pot to create a creamier texture. Serve over fluffy white rice with French bread or cornbread.

Hint: If using dried red kidney beans, boil them for 10 minutes before slow cooking to deactivate lectins. Slow cookers may not reach a temperature high enough to destroy them, which can cause illness.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

  • Hot Sauce or red pepper flakes to add heat.
  • Ham Hocks as a substitute for sausage.
  • Brown Rice instead of white rice for a whole-grain option.
  • Creole Seasoning in place of Cajun seasoning for a milder profile.
  • Green Bell Pepper can be added with the onions and celery.
  • Liquid Smoke for extra smokiness.
  • Black Pepper and salt to taste.
  • Green Onions sprinkled on at the end for freshness.
  • Chicken Stock or broth instead of water or beef bouillon.
  • Cayenne Pepper to increase heat.
  • Jasmine Rice offers a different aroma and texture when served.
A bowl of Cajun Red Beans and Rice in front of a slow cooker.

Sharing is Caring – Like Our Facebook Page

The Cagle Diaries

Necessary gear: Equipment

Use a 5-quart or larger slow cooker for best results.

More recipes I think you’ll love

  • Instant Pot White Beans
  • Southern Crock Pot Pinto Beans With Sausage (Easy Slow Cooker Recipe)
  • Kielbasa and Baked Beans Slow Cooker Recipe
  • Chicken and Lima Beans

How to store leftovers

After cooling, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

This dish freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Mel’s kitchen notes

This recipe often tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

A picture of Melanie Cagle showing something in a cooking pot.

About The Author

Melanie Cagle

Melanie is a professional food photographer and home cook with a passion for Cajun cuisine. Since 2020 she has shared carefully tested recipes and tutorials on this blog.

Her work has appeared on Fox News, Yahoo News, Southern Living, and she recently competed on Food Network’s “100 Cooks”.

About Mel
Buy Me Coffee ☕️
A spoon lifting some red beans out of a slow cooker.

Frequently asked questions: FAQs

Why do people cook red beans and rice on a Monday?

In the South it became tradition because ham cooked on Sunday left a ham bone for Monday’s red beans. Monday was often laundry day, and a pot of beans could simmer all day while chores were done.

Do I need to soak the red beans first?

Soaking is optional. An overnight soak can reduce cooking time, but many cooks add the dried beans directly to the slow cooker and still get good results.

If you’ve tried this Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice or another recipe from the site, please share how it turned out in the comments—we love feedback.

If you enjoyed the recipe, consider giving it a 5-star rating.

Follow on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for more recipes and updates.

Close up of a slow cooker cajun red beans and rice recipe.

Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Creamy, Cajun-spiced red beans cooked low and slow in a slow cooker make a comforting, flavorful meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Cuisine: Cajun and Creole
Author: Melanie Cagle

ANNOUNCEMENT

Watch Me Compete on Food Network’s 100 Cooks – airing June 7th @ 9/8c

Equipment

  • 5 quart (or larger) slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 Pound Dried Red Beans
  • 1 Link Andouille Sausage quartered
  • 2 Links Smoked Sausage sliced
  • 1 Each Yellow Onion diced
  • 1 Rib Celery diced
  • 4 Cloves Garlic minced
  • 3 Each Bay Leaves
  • 6 Cups Water
  • 2 Each Beef Bouillon Cubes
  • 1 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
  • Stir well, cover, and cook on high for about 6 hours, until the beans are tender.
  • Mash some beans against the side of the pot for a creamier consistency, if desired.
  • Serve the beans over cooked rice and enjoy.
Did You Make This?Please consider leaving a review!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 4g

Sign Up for my emails and never miss another recipe!

I’ll never share your email or send spam.