Imagine coming home to the rich, savory aroma of Slow Cooker Red Beans and Sausage wafting through your kitchen, inviting you to indulge in a comforting bowl of Cajun goodness. This hearty dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, combines smoky sausage with tender red beans, all simmered to perfection in a medley of spices. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the rest done in your slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious meal that practically cooks itself! Ready to discover the secret to this mouthwatering recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans red kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing smoked sausage into half-inch thick rounds and finely chopping the onion. Mince garlic cloves.
- Drain kidney beans thoroughly and set aside. Open and drain diced tomatoes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown sausage slices for 2-3 minutes to develop additional flavor. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced taste.
- Transfer browned sausage to slow cooker. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir all ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beans to become tender.
- After cooking, stir gently and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally over rice or with crusty bread on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Browning the Sausage: While it’s optional, browning the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor significantly. Just a few minutes in a hot skillet can make a world of difference!
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, start with less Cajun seasoning and gradually add more to taste. You can always spice it up later!
- Soaking Beans: If you have dried beans, consider soaking them overnight for a creamier texture. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like bell peppers or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
- Leftovers: Slow Cooker Red Beans and Sausage taste even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 444kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
