Description
This hearty and flavorful Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe combines smoky sausage, tender red beans, and classic Creole seasonings for a comforting, easy-to-make meal. Using the Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time while developing deep flavors, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
Beans and Liquids
- 1 pound dried red beans, rinsed and soaked overnight (or use quick soak method)
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
To Serve
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the olive oil and sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sausage is browned and releases its flavorful oils.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, salt, dried oregano, and bay leaves. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Combine Beans and Broth: Add the soaked and drained red beans to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water, stirring everything together thoroughly.
- Pressure Cook: Cancel the Sauté mode and securely lock the lid. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 35 minutes to cook the beans until tender.
- Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining steam safely. Remove the bay leaves from the pot.
- Thicken the Beans: Using the back of a spoon, mash some of the beans in the pot to thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture. Stir well.
- Serve: Spoon the red beans over hot cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and enjoy your flavorful Creole-inspired dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you forget to soak the beans overnight, increase the pressure cooking time to 60 minutes and allow a full natural pressure release.
- Soaking the beans reduces cooking time and improves digestibility, but the quick soak method can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the level of heat based on your preference.
