Red Beans New Orleans Style
New Orleans style red beans & rice… made at my own leisure in the crockpot. No rushing, no hovering; just letting the flavors do what they do best.
I used Camellia Brand red beans (the absolute best, no debate) and soaked them overnight in cold water.
Ingredients:
* Camellia red beans (soaked overnight)
* 8 cups water
* 2 bay leaves
* Zatarain’s Red Bean Seasoning Mix
* 1 lb smoked sausage
* 1/2 yellow onion
* 1/2 bell pepper
* ~1/3 cup celery
* 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
* 1 beef bouillon cube
* 2 tbsp Creole seasoning
* 2 tbsp garlic powder
* 1 tbsp parsley
* 1/2 tbsp thyme
* 4 tsp butter
How I made it:
1. Add soaked, cleaned beans to crockpot with water, bay leaves, and seasoning mix.
2. In a skillet, sauté the “holy trinity” (onion, bell pepper, celery) + smoked sausage in butter.
3. Once the sausage gets that nice color, add everything to the crockpot.
4. Add garlic, bouillon cube, and remaining seasonings.
5. Cook on HIGH for 6–7 hours. No babysitting needed.
Why I love this method:
This is one of those meals you can set and forget. Let it cook while you go about your day; come back to a full pot of comfort.
Real truth:
Red beans always good the first day… but the next day? After everything settles in??
Yeah… that’s when it’s REALLY hitting.
Rich, flavorful, and straight comfort food.
#redbeansandrice #neworleansfood #crockpotmeals #comfortfood #southerncooking
If you're looking to truly capture the essence of New Orleans cuisine, making red beans and rice in a crockpot is a game-changer. The slow cooking method allows the beans to absorb all the spices and flavors deeply, creating a rich, hearty dish that's the epitome of Southern comfort food. Using Camellia brand red beans is key—they are renowned for their quality and authentic flavor, which definitely elevates the dish. A crucial part of the recipe is the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sautéing these with smoked sausage in butter develops a savory base layered with smoky and sweet notes. Including Zatarain’s Red Bean Seasoning Mix along with individual spices like Creole seasoning, garlic powder, thyme, and parsley ensures the beans are perfectly seasoned. Adding a beef bouillon cube enriches the broth, making every spoonful deeply satisfying. One of the joys of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Soaking the beans overnight not only reduces cooking time but improves digestibility. After assembling everything in the crockpot, simply let it simmer on high for 6 to 7 hours while you carry on with your day—no constant stirring or babysitting required. This "set it and forget it" approach makes it accessible even for cooks new to Southern cuisine. The flavor improves even more the next day, as the spices and meats meld together beautifully. Many locals believe red beans and rice tastes best as leftovers! Serve over freshly cooked white rice for the full traditional experience. Some like to garnish with chopped green onions or hot sauce for an extra kick. If you want to customize the dish, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or swapping smoked sausage for Andouille sausage to deepen the Smoky profile. Pair this meal with warm cornbread and a side of greens for a complete Southern feast that will warm your heart and soul all year round.
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