I am always looking for ways to use my instant pot. For it to take up valuable real estate on my kitchen counter, it must be useful for me. I currently use the instant pot at least 1-2 times a week to make homemade bone broth, but not for much else. I really enjoy cooking most of my foods low and slow on the stove. I’ve dedicated my life to being home with my family so there’s no need for us to rush every meal. But of course, my family has emergencies and schedule interruptions like everyone else. It’s these times when modern conveniences such as the instant pot, come in handy.

Beans of all varieties are a great meal to make in instant pot. You can do a quick soak and cook them in the same instant pot and the cooking time is significantly lesser. Some meals have a different texture and taste when cooking in the instant pot, but I find that beans pretty much keep the same flavor, no matter the cooking method used.

As more and more families are being more cautious about spending and even those growing in the ‘prepper’ communities, simple yet inexpensive meals like red beans and rice are increasing in popularity.  We’re all searching for different ways to make a bean and rice dish. Beans and rice are one of the oldest, yet complete meals. The protein, fiber, and carbohydrate content are enough to sustain you for pennies on the dollar, making it a great budget-friendly meal.

For me, red beans and rice is comfort food. My grandmother used to say, “Everyone should know how to put on a pot of beans!’ I’ve learned to make tons of beans and rice using various cooking methods and seasonings. Using the instant pot for beans is a convenient method that every home cook should know. It’s time-saving, easy clean up, and versatile. After a house fire, my family (of 7 then) lived in a hotel for two months. We relied heavily on electric appliances like the instant pot, to make meals.

This instant pot version is flavorful Cajun-inspired red beans and rice recipe. It tastes like it’s been cooking all day but is ready in half the time. This is a great family meal that you can even have on a weeknight!

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

12 oz andouille sausage, diced

1-2 tablespoons bacon fat

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup onions, diced

1 cup bell pepper, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

8 cups water (or chicken broth)

2 tablespoons chicken base (omit if using chicken broth)

1 tablespoon ham base (do not omit)

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

1 pound pork neckbones (can also use smoked turkey wings or necks)

1 pound red beans, soaked

Tools you may need

Instant Pot

Bacon Grease Container

How do I cook beans in my instant pot?

Using the sauté function, sauté andouille sausage in bacon fat (or other neutral-tasting oil) until brown. This may take between 3-5 minutes.

Once the sausage is browned remove it from the instant pot with a slotted spoon, reserving any oil that is remaining. Add additional oil or bacon fat if needed.

With the sauté function, sauté celery, onions, and bell pepper for 3-5 minutes or until softened.

Add in garlic and stir, allowing to only sauté for about a minute.

Add sausage back into the instant pot along with the remaining ingredients.

Stir to combine then add the lid and close the seal.

Set the instant pot to pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, open the valve to allow a quick release.

You can either serve as is or turn the instant pot back to sauté to allow the sauce to thicken over the high heat. I also like to take a potato masher and mash up some of the beans and allow some to stay whole.

Serve over white rice. Here’s my perfect white rice recipe.

FAQ’s

How to thicken red beans and rice?

To thicken red beans and rice, turn up the heat and allow some of the liquid to cook off. If cooking on the stove, turn the heat to a higher setting remembering to stir frequently to prevent scorching. If cooking in the instant pot, remove the lid and cook high on the ‘sauté’ function. I also like to mash about half of my beans with a potato masher to help things thicken up.

Are red beans and rice healthy?

That depends on the ingredients. Simply cooking beans and rice is a healthy meal full of good protein and slower digesting carbohydrates. However, if using an unhealthy oil (such as a GMO canola oil) to sauté in or unhealthy cuts of meats that are not healthily sourced could make the dish unhealthy.

Are red beans and kidney beans the same?

No. Red beans are smaller and creamier in texture. They don’t require as long to soak or cook. Red kidney beans are larger beans. The texture is sturdier, and they’re better suited for stews and chilis.

But, use what you have! It will taste delicious no matter what.

Why do Cajuns eat red beans and rice on Mondays? (be sure to link my playlist with leftover ham recipes)

Cajuns eat red beans and rice on Mondays to use up the ham bone from their Sunday Ham.

For leftover ham recipes including a stove-top red beans and rice recipe, check out this playlist.

Can you use canned beans in red beans and rice?

Yes. Drain the liquid from the beans and rinse. Then cook according to directions, reducing the cooking time by half.

What to serve with red beans and rice?

Cornbread

Corn on the cob

Buttermilk Biscuits

Fried Fish

Fried Chicken

Southern Green Beans

Green Salad