Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
These Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice take a staple of Louisiana cuisine and turn it into a dish that will actually work on a busy schedule. Instead of taking hours to prepare, these Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice have just as much flavor while requiring minimal effort and only 30 minutes to prepare!
We all have our go-to comfort foods but sometimes it is nice to add a new recipe to the rotation. Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice require only a fraction of the time normally required for traditional red beans and rice. Preparing the meal in Instant Pot also makes it incredibly simple to clean up!
This meal can also easily be made kid-friendly with some minor alterations. This dish only has a “mild” level of spice, but if serving to kids or someone that doesn’t enjoy spicy foods, you can choose a milder, smoked sausage choice rather than andouille and cut down on the cajun seasoning to make an even milder version of this recipe. If you personally like the spiciness, just make sure you add a couple of shots of hot sauce to your plate!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick. Preparing red beans and rice in the pressure cooker takes only a fraction of the time required for traditional red beans and rice.
- Easy. This recipe is almost entirely prepared in the Instant Pot and its ingredients are common pantry staples.
- Minimal Cleanup. Since the dish is prepared in the Instant Pot, there is minimal clean up required. A cutting board and utensils are the only other items used to prepare this dish.
Ingredients for Red Beans and Rice
As always, this is an overview of the ingredients you will need to make Red Beans and Rice in the Instant Pot. To get the complete, printable recipe simply scroll to the recipe card below.
- Cooking oil: Any neutral oil such as canola, avocado or olive oil will work in this recipe.
- Vegetables: You will need red bell pepper, yellow onion, and celery stalks.
- Andouille sausage: You can use other types of smoked sausage. If on a low-fat or low-calorie diet, you can easily substitute traditional andouille sausage for a chicken or turkey smoked sausage. We used chicken andouille sausage for this recipe.
- Broth: I used vegetable broth, but chicken or beef broth will also work. If you are watching your sodium you can use water instead, but the broth really adds a ton of flavor to the overall dish.
- Spices and herbs: Cajun seasoning (depending on heat preference), garlic powder, and dry oregano are needed. You could use thyme or parsley as well for more flavor if you prefer. Feel free to add in a couple bay leaves for taste as well if you want (just remember to remove those before serving).
- White rice: Do not substitute brown rice in this recipe. The cooking time is not equal and you will end up with rice that has not been cooked through. Traditional long-grain white rice has less starch than others and will give you the correct texture.
- Red beans: Red beans (which are smaller than kidney beans) are the traditional beans used for red beans and rice. However, if you have trouble finding them in your grocery store, red kidney beans will also work.
Optional tip: If you have had ham recently and saved the ham hock for stock, now is a great time to use it! You can add it in before sealing for the high pressure cook step. This
How to Make Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
In addition to the ingredients listed below, you will need an Instant Pot, cutting board, and knife. If you are new to using a pressure cooker, don’t worry this is very simple. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make this delicious Red Beans and Rice in the Instant Pot.
Saute the Vegetables
Heat the oil in your Instant Pot using the sauté mode. Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and celery, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Remember, it isn’t necessary to cook them longer than a few minutes since they will be cooked under pressure along with the rest of the ingredients.
Add the Sausage
Next, add the sliced sausage and continue to saute for 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the broth, cajun seasoning, garlic powder and oregano. At this point, your kitchen will smell super amazing! You only need to complete two more steps before you can chow down!
Add the rice
Lastly, add the rice and stir. It is important to stir well and really scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot well. This helps to prevent a burn message as you cook. So often the burn message isn’t associated with a lack of liquid or actual burning, instead, it is debris on the bottom of the pot that set off the sensors in the pressure cooker. Once you have done this press cancel on the Instant Pot to end the saute function.
Pressure cook
Place the lid on the machine and secure it well, making sure the valve is closed. Pressure cook for 4 minutes, then allow for a 15-minute natural release. This recipe took 10 minutes for my Instant Pot to come to full pressure, then the 4 minute cook time begins to count down. Once the natural pressure release is complete, release pressure using the venting knob. Open the lid and stir in the red beans. Voila! You have super quick and easy Red Beans and Rice!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
After allowing to cool, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well. You can store this recipe in the freezer, in a freezer-safe container, for up to 3 months. This dish reheats well in the microwave. Reheat in 30-second increments until heated to your desired level.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Red Beans and Rice
- Change up the protein if needed. Andouille sausage is our favorite but everyone is different. You can choose a milder smoked sausage for a less spicy version. You can also reduce fat and calories by choosing a chicken or turkey-based sausage. Ground meat will also work if that is all you have on hand. Just saute it first in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.
- Instant Pot safety. Always be careful when venting the machine. Different versions of Instant Pots do this differently. I like to place a dish towel over the spout to prevent any steam from burning me as I release the pressure.
- Customize your ingredients and the amounts based on personal preference. The traditional version of this dish with red beans is excellent. But it shouldn’t deter you if you don’t have them. Kidney beans will work just fine! We have also included instructions for the cajun seasoning if you are looking for a very mild flavor.
Red Beans and Rice FAQ
Yes, this recipe is gluten free if prepared as described.
Absolutely. After allowing to completely cool, you can store it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.
This recipe has been formulated to work with canned beans. There is not enough moisture in this recipe to account for dried beans.
Yes, this is a very easy recipe to turn into a vegetarian dish. Simply hold the sausage!
Other Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili– This chicken chili is loaded with shredded chicken, chilis, peppers and cauliflower rice! At about 7.5 net carbs per heaping serving this is the ultimate creamy keto comfort food!
- Instant Pot Stuffed Meatballs– Entertaining has never been easier with these Instant Pot Stuffed Meatballs. Packed with chunks of cheese, these low carb meatballs are just what your parties need!
- Instant Pot Carnitas– These delicious Instant Pot Carnitas are keto-friendly and easy to make! You can enjoy two street tacos served with a spicy keto slaw for fewer than 5 net carbs, making it the perfect low-carb dinner recipe!
- Instant Pot Pork Chops– Only requires 6 minutes of cook time! Seasoned and seared pork chops are perfectly tender and served with a savory gravy. This is a low carb meal your entire family will love!
- Instant Pot Keto Beef Stew– Loaded with tender shredded beef, and vegetables in a savory broth. Each serving of this stew is about 5 net carbs! This is the perfect low carb comfort food with stove-top, Instant Pot, or slow cooker directions!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil, avocado or canola
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into ½ inch coins
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1-2 tsp cajun seasoning, depending on heat preference
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 15 oz can red beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat the oil in your Instant Pot using the saute function. Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery and saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sausage and continue to saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the broth, cajun seasoning, garlic powder and oregano.
- Add the rice and stir. Press cancel on the Instant Pot and then close the lid.
- Pressure cook for 4 minutes, then allow for a 15 minute natural release. Once the natural
release is complete, release pressure using the venting knob. - Open the lid and stir in the red beans. Serve!
Notes
-Cajun seasoning adds a lot of spice and flavor, so if you’re not too big on spice, add 1
tsp instead of 2 tsp.
-Any kind of andouille sausage can be used in this recipe. I used chicken andouille.
-This recipe isn’t saucy like a lot of red beans and rice recipes because the rice soaks up
all the liquid in the Instant Pot. It makes for a super flavorful recipe and a one pot meal!
-Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
