Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Name: Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dried red beans; 2 cups uncooked brown rice; 12 ounces andouille sausage (chopped); 8 ounces ham (diced); 4 cups chicken stock; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1/2 medium onion (diced ); 1/2 green pepper (diced ); 1 stalk celery (diced ); 1 bay leaf; 2 teaspoons salt (plus 1 tablespoon for soaking the beans); 2 jalapenos (diced); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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If you're looking for an easy and delicious meal, then instant pot red beans and rice is a great option that takes minimal effort. This classic Cajun recipe is packed with savory flavors like ham and andouille sausage, and cooked in a rich broth with spices!

view of red beans and rice with scallions on top in a white bowl with a silver spoon.

This classic combination of rice and red kidney beans (or any beans) makes a hearty meal that is both nutritious and filling. It really is simple to make and comes together in about 30 minutes, with minimal hands on time, just like this instant pot black beans and rice!

I like to save this savory meal for when I really don't feel like cooking a meal that takes a long time. The Instant Pot or pressure cooker is a time saver and this recipe will cook really well in it!

If I were to choose a side for this dish, I always go for bread. I enjoy air fryer garlic bread with red beans and rice because it's great to soak up any extra liquid, and it's super easy to make in the air fryer.

And one of the best parts about this great recipe ... leftovers for days! It's keeps well and is super easy just to heat up in the microwave. I always look forward to eating a bowl of leftover beans and rice the next day - especially with a nice sous vide poached egg on top.

Jump to:

Why this instant pot red beans and rice recipe works
Ingredients
Variations and substitutions
Step by step instructions for this instant pot recipe
Expert tips
Frequently asked questions
More Cajun recipes
Recipe
💬 Comments

view of red beans and rice in a white bowl with a silver spoon.

Why this instant pot red beans and rice recipe works

Sometimes you just want something simple to make for dinner. This rice and beans recipe is as easy as it gets cooked in one pot only, and it tastes equally delicious.
Beans have so many health benefits. If you can make these in a meal once a week (try instant pot lima beans or this instant pot bean soup too), then you are providing your family with tons of nutrition!
The ingredients used in this recipe are super simple and add so much flavor to the dish.
Using sausage and ham in this recipe add so much savory flavor to the dish.
Leftovers for days...need I say more?

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Ingredients

image for Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice.

For a full list of ingredients and quantities used, please refer to the recipe card below.

This Instant Pot recipe calls for 1 cup of dried red beans (uncooked beans, don't use canned beans). You should be able to find these at any store. We soak the beans in salted water overnight to help them cook up perfectly.

To make this recipe for red beans and rice a little healthier, I am using brown rice. Using brown rice is a game changer in recipes because it has its own taste and texture. You don't want to use white rice or any cooked rice for this.

You're also going to need andouille sausage. The sliced sausage really does add a new depth of flavor to the beans and rice.

The ham will need to be diced for the Instant Pot. The ham helps to make a nice base for the dish!

I LOVE using my homemade instant pot chicken bone broth for this, but you can use any chicken stock you'd like.

This recipe calls for lots of different spices like chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper! You will have many in your pantry already, and the rest can be found easily at the grocery store. You can also use a homemade Cajun seasoning.

I like to toast and grind the cumin seeds fresh because it adds the best flavor. You can also use ground cumin if you prefer not to do that.

Variations and substitutions

Add in diced chicken in place of or in addition to the ham/sausage.
Substitute any smoked sausage for the andouille sausage. Try chicken andouille if you are avoiding pork. You can add a ham hock for extra meaty, smoky flavor too.
Substitute the dried red beans for any other kind of DRIED bean.
To make this dish spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or add 1-2 additional diced jalapenos.
Substitute ham broth, vegetable broth or turkey bone broth for this chicken broth.

Step by step instructions for this instant pot recipe

Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with about 2-3 inches of water. Add the tablespoon of salt (reserving the 2 teaspoons for the recipe) and mix together. Let sit overnight. Drain and rinse the beans. Set aside.

view of onions and green onions in an instant pot.

Set the 6 quart instant pot to saute setting. Heat the butter in the Instant Pot insert (I recommend using a non-stick insert for the best results). Add the onion, celery, jalapenos and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.

green peppers and onions cooking in an instant pot insert.

Add the seasonings and tomato paste and stir to combine.

beans, ham and vegetables in liquid in an instant pot insert.

Add the sausage, ham, beans, rice and stock. Stir together and lock the lid.

Cook at high pressure 30 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes.

Release any remaining pressure, allow the red beans and rice to cool for 5-10 minutes, then stir and serve hot garnished with green onions and hot sauce.

view of red beans and rice in a white bowl with a silver spoon on a white napkin.

Expert tips

Prepare all of your ingredients before turning on the pot. This saves time in the long run!
Don't substitute white rice for brown as it will get mushy in this recipe. Brown rice is key to keep the grains fluffier.
If the beans aren't' cooked enough when done, add a few (5-10) more minutes and continue cooking. Cooking times can differ based on elevation, etc.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to cook the beans in an Instant Pot?

It typically takes about 30 minutes to cook a pot of beans in an Instant Pot, with a 15 minute natural release time. This cooking time will depend on the type and size of beans you are using as well as the desired texture.

Can you overcook beans in Instant Pot?

Yes, it is possible to overcook beans in an Instant Pot. This can happen if you leave the pot on for too long, or if you use a setting that is not appropriate for your specific type and size of beans. To prevent this from happening, be sure to follow all instructions carefully when cooking your beans in an Instant Pot, and to use the quick release or natural release functions if needed.

Do I need to soak beans before pressure cooking?

It is generally recommended to soak beans before pressure cooking them in an Instant Pot. Soaking beans helps to reduce their cooking time.

Storage and reheating instructions for leftover red beans and rice.

These Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for 3-5 days.

To reheat them, place a portion of rice and beans in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 2 minutes on high power.

red beans and rice in a white bowl with silver spoon.

More Cajun recipes

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