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Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

A smoky, creamy Louisiana-style red beans and rice made quickly in the Instant Pot with sausage, spices, and tender kidney beans served over fluffy rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beans and Base
  • 1 lb dried red kidney beans rinsed
  • 12 oz smoked sausage sliced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp thyme dried
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper to taste
Serving
  • 2 cups white rice cooked

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown sliced smoked sausage. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. Stir in seasonings and deglaze with chicken broth.
  5. Add beans, bay leaves, and sausage back into the pot.
  6. Pressure cook on high for 35–40 minutes, then natural release for 15–20 minutes.
  7. Cook rice separately until fluffy.
  8. Serve beans over rice and garnish as desired.

Notes

Flavor improves after resting overnight. Adjust thickness by mashing a portion of beans if needed.