Jump to recipe

This recipe came to my rescue this past week. I had a curve ball thrown at me by this thing called life. I suddenly learned my work schedule was going to change last weekend. I would be working nights for nearly the entirety of the weekend. Of course, the first thing that comes to my mind is what am I going to eat this week for dinner!?

I immediately remembered my go-to move during my time working the night shift when I started my job, my trusty crockpot! For Christmas nearly 5 years ago, my wonderful parents gifted me a slow cooker and my world was forever changed for the better. It’s the perfect kitchen appliance. Toss in all your prepared ingredients, set it, forget it, and voila- your dinner.

The fall weather has begun to spark an interest in making more soups and stews in my slow cooker. Suddenly, I had a hankering for some Lousiana flavor, Red Beans and Rice. This would be the perfect solution to my dinner dilemma and I had the whole day before my 9 pm shift to let those beautiful beans and andouille sausages cook.

I made another infamous trip to a local grocery store and gathered all the ingredients. I hurry home because now time is of the essence for a much-needed nap and I realize- I’m out of slow cooker liners and forgot to buy new ones. Of course, I couldn’t make it in and out of the store without forgetting something.  Normally, I would have made a quick trip back to the store but not this time. It’s rare, but I had to cook in my crockpot without a liner. A minor tragedy in the DCdishes kitchen but I made it work. The cleanup was less cumbersome than I thought, but I will definitely stock up on slow cooker liners so I’m ready for some serious slow cooking this fall and winter…stay tuned!

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

What You Need:

• 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 pound smoked sausage, thinly sliced (andouille or smoked)
• 2-3 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 7 cups water
• 4 cups uncooked long grain rice
• green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:
Click here to Cook With Me!

• Chop celery, onion, and bell pepper. Slice smoked sausage into rounds.
• Add red kidney beans, smoked sausage, celery, bell pepper, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and chili powder.
• Add 7 cups of water to your slow cooker.
• Set on high for 6 hours.
• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Scoop red beans over cooked rice and top with green onions for garnish in a bowl.
• Serve and enjoy!

Cook With Me:

• Chop celery, onion, and bell pepper. Slice smoked sausage into rounds.
• Add red kidney beans, smoked sausage, celery, bell pepper, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and chili powder.
• Add 7 cups of water to your slow cooker.
• Set on high for 6 hours.
• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Scoop red beans over cooked rice and top with green onions for garnish in a bowl.
• Serve and enjoy!

Inspired by this recipe.