Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s full of taste and straightforward to make? This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is your reply! Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish brings the traditional Cajun flavors of tender purple beans, smoky sausage, and fragrant spices to your desk. And one of the best half? Thanks to the Instant Pot, you don’t have to soak the beans in a single day! With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe is a game-changer for anybody craving a style of New Orleans at home. Let’s get started

🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll have to make this scrumptious Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice:
- 🧈 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 🌭 1 pound smoked sausage (andouille or beef), sliced
- 🧅 1 massive yellow onion, minced
- 🌿 4 stalks celery, minced
- 🫑 1 inexperienced bell pepper, diced
- 🧄 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 💧 3 cups water
- 🍗 3 cups low-sodium hen inventory
- 🥄 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 🍃 3 bay leaves
- 🌶️ 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (home made or store-bought)
- 🧂 Kosher salt (to style, added after cooking)
- 🍚 Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
- 🌱 Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Hot sauce for further spice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for deeper taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make the proper Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice:
- Sauté the Sausage: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode (regular warmth). Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm. Add the sliced sausage and prepare dinner till browned and barely crispy. Remove the sausage and put aside, leaving the drippings within the pot.
- Cook the Veggies: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot. Once melted, add the minced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté till the onions are softened and barely golden. Stir within the minced garlic and prepare dinner for 30-60 seconds till aromatic.
- Deglaze the Pot: Hit Cancel to show off Sauté mode. Add 1 cup of water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the underside. This prevents a burn discovery.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour within the remaining 2 cups of water and 3 cups of low-sodium hen inventory. Stir within the dried thyme, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning.
- Add Beans and Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add 1 pound of rinsed and sorted dried purple kidney beans. Stir to mix.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, guaranteeing the venting knob is about to Sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (High) for 50 minutes.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes. This ensures the beans are tender and creamy.
- Thicken the Beans: Open the lid and take away the bay leaves. Use a spoon or potato masher to mash a few of the beans, stirring them again into the combination to thicken the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and add kosher salt as desired (begin with 1/2 teaspoon anadjuster). Serve the purple beans over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
🍴 Pro Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or ham for further protein.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a touch of sizzling sauce for extra warmth.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and use vegetable inventory. Add smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
- Cooking Methods: This dish will also be made on the stovetop or in a gradual cooker, although cooking occasions will fluctuate.
For extra Instant Pot inspiration, try our Top 10 Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Nights.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within the fridge for as much as 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for as much as 3 months. Thaw in a single day within the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low warmth, including a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if wanted.
Looking for extra make-ahead meals? Try Best Freezer-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes for simple dinners!
🍽️ Recipe Card (Structured Data)
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes (stress cooking) + 20 minutes (pure launch)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 450 per serving
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Leave a review below!)