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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. It is packed with savory flavors like ham and andouille sausage, and cooked in a rich broth with spices!
This classic combination of rice and beans makes a hearty meal that is both nutritious and filling.
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 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 recipe...leftovers for days! It's keeps well and is super easy just to heat up in the microwave.
I'm also one of those people that think leftovers taste way better when they sit in the fridge overnight.
I always look forward to eating a bowl of beans and rice the next day - especially with a nice sous vide poached egg on top.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Sometimes you just want something simple to make for dinner. This recipe is as easy as it gets and it tastes equally delicious.
- Beans have so many health benefits. If you can make these in a meal once a week, 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
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. You should be able to find these at any store.
To make this dish 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're also going to need andouille sausage. The sausage should be chopped. The 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 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.
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.
Step by Step Instructions
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.
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 pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Add the seasonings and tomato paste and stir to combine.
Add the sausage, ham, beans, rice and stock. Stir together.
Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes, with a 15 minute natural release.
Release any remaining pressure, then stir and serve hot garnished with green onions.
Expert Tips
- Prepare all of your ingredients before turning on the pot. This saves time in the long run!
- Any kind of smoked sausage can be used in this recipe in place of the andouille.
- Don't substitute white rice for brown as it will get mushy in this recipe. Brown rice is key to keep the grains fluffier.
- For additional spice, add an additional diced jalapeno or additional chili powder to the recipe. You can also serve it with hot sauce.
Common Questions
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.
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.
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
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.
More Bean Recipes
- Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice
- Instant Pot Lima Beans
- Sous Vide Green Beans
- Spicy Chinese Stir Fry Green Beans
More Rice Recipes
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Recipe
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
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
- ½ medium onion diced
- ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- Heat the butter in the Instant Pot insert (I recommend using a non-stick insert).
- Add the onion, celery, jalapenos and green pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the seasonings and tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Add the sausage, ham, beans, rice and stock. Stir together.
- Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes, with a 15 minute natural release.
- Release any remaining pressure, then stir and serve hot garnished with green onions and hot sauce (optional).
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.
Nutrition
heather
This was so easy and quickly became a family favorite. Will definitely be making again!
Danielle
Yay!