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Overhead view of right half of white bowl of Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice with Green Napkin on top right.

Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice

BY: Michele
PUBLISHED: Dec 18, 2019
UPDATED: Jan 17, 2022
11 Reviews / 4.9 Average
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Want a taste of New Orleans, but don’t want to wait all day? Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice to the rescue.

This recipe has all the zesty flavor of the andouille sausage, red beans, onions, peppers, celery, spices, and rice, but is ready in under an hour!

Overhead view of right half of white bowl of Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice with Green Napkin on top right.

If you soak the red beans overnight, this Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice can be ready in 30 minutes! 

Table of Contents

Why Make Red Beans And Rice In An Instant Pot?

Since most of us don’t have all day to cook dinner, we will be making our Red Beans And Rice in the Instant Pot. Why? Because we can get that same delicious flavor without cooking all day. Besides, you don’t even have to soak the beans overnight! Win! Win!

Right half of bowl of red beans and rice with andouille sausage with green napkin in background.

How fast can we make Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice? In about 30 to 40 minutes if you presoak the beans. Otherwise, it will take 45 minutes to an hour for unsoaked beans. However, that is still way better than 8, 10, or 12 hours.

Like slow cooking, it is one pot, set it and forget it, but even better because we can sauté the andouille sausage, onions, and vegetables right in the Instant Pot. Unlike the slow cooker, where you have to sauté the sausage and vegetables in a skillet or Dutch oven and then transfer it to the Slow Cooker.

Why Soak Red Beans Overnight?

The main reason is that soaking prevents digestive discomfort. Neither you nor anyone else wants to pass wind after dinner! The soaking breaks down the sugars that some people have difficulty digesting.

Another reason for soaking is that more of the beans remain whole and in-tact and have a better texture if they are soaked first. Beans that are not soaked overnight may be more likely to split, have a less desirable appearance and a slightly different texture.

However, it is not necessary to soak the beans overnight. If you don’t want to soak the beans, you will just pressure cook them a little longer.

Instant Pot Quick Soaking Beans

If you want to soak the beans but forgot to soak them overnight, no worries. You can do a quick soak of the beans by using the Instant Pot. It is super easy.

  • Place 2 cups of red beans in the Instant Pot.
  • Add 6 cups of water with a teaspoon of salt and pressure cook on high for 1 minute. Yes, that is correct. I said one minute.
  • Let the Instant Pot do natural pressure release. (This may take up to 45 minutes. It is during this time that the soaking magic happens. So just leave it alone until all the pressure is released and the pin has dropped.)
  • Drain and rinse the red beans, and follow the recipe below for Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice.
Photo of 3 ingredients of Instant pot Red Beans and Rice - Andouille Sausage, white rice, adn red beans

What Do I Need To Make Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice

  • Oil. You could also use bacon fat, which would be more authentic, but for convenience for most readers, use oil.
  • Sausage.  For a more authentic recipe, use andouille sausage. However, if you can’t find that, then I recommend using your favorite smoked sausage. Andouille sausage is not available everywhere.
  • Red Beans. Small red beans are what is used in Louisiana. However, if you can’t find those in your grocery store, use Red Kidney Beans.
  • Vegetables. You will need 1 onion, 1 green pepper, and 2 stalks of celery to create the Creole Trinity. I also add 3 cloves of garlic as well.
  • Broth. I used chicken broth. However, you could use vegetable broth or water instead.
  • Seasonings. You will need 2 bay leaves, 1 Tablespoon of Homemade Cajun Seasoning or 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, plus 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire, and a few dashes of hot sauce
  • Rice. You will need cooked white rice to serve with the red beans.

How To Make Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice

Below is a high-level summary, with step by step photos below, regarding how to make Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice. However, if you want the most detailed instructions with the amounts of each ingredient specified, scroll down to the bottom of this blog post, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card.

  1. Brown Sausage. Brown the andouille sausage on each side in oil using the SAUTE mode, and remove from the Instant Pot. (Photo 1 below)
  2. Sauté Vegetables. Sauté the chopped onions, green bell peppers, and chopped celery for 3 or 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute. (Photo 2 below)
  3. Add Ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth, and add the sausage, seasonings, bay leaves, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. (Photo 3 below)
  4. Pressure Cook For Soaked Beans: For SOAKED BEANS: Press cancel, then press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (depending on model), and press the + or – sign to adjust the time to either 20 minutes for SOAKED beans. (Photo 4 below)
  5. Pressure Cook For UNsoaked Beans:  For UNSOAKED BEANS: Press cancel, then press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (depending on model), and press the + or – sign to adjust the time to either 40 minutes for UNSOAKED beans. (Photo 5 below)
  6. Release Pressure: Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally (NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE), which may take 30 minutes. Once the pressure is released and the pin drops, open the lid. Remove the bay leaves, stir and serve over rice. (Photo 6 below.)
  7. For more detailed instructions, scroll down to the bottom of the blog post just above the comments for the printable recipe card.

Step By Step Process Photo Collage For How To Make Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice

How To Thicken Red Beans And Rice

  1. To thicken the red beans and rice, remove some beans, mash them with a potato masher, and return them into the Instant Pot.

Tips For Perfect Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice

  1. If the sausage is firm, cook it with the beans in the Instant Pot. However, if the sausage is soft, after browning, remove the sausage from the Instant Pot and set aside. After the red beans have finished pressure cooking, add the sausage back in with the beans and let the heat from the beans heat the sausage.
  2. Always use a Natural Pressure Release for the beans. The beans continue to cook while the pressure is releasing. This may take up to 30 minutes, or more.
  3. The beans should be soft after cooking. However, if after 40 minutes of pressure cooking, and 30 minutes of natural release, they are not, put the lid back on, move the pressure release valve to the SEALING position, and pressure cook for 15 minutes more.
  4. If after pressure cooking, you would like the red beans to be thicker, then follow the instructions above to thicken the red beans by mashing some of the beans and returning the mashed beans into the Instant Pot.

Variations of Red Beans And Rice

  1. Ham It Up. Add a ham hock and cook with the red beans and rice for an authentic flavor. When it is finished pressure cooking and the pressure has been fully released, remove the ham hock, chop up the ham into pieces, and put back in the red beans and rice.
  2. Bacon. Instead of sausage, you could use bacon instead and cook pieces of bacon using the saute function, and then cook the vegetables in the bacon fat.
  3. Beef.  Add beef tips from our Beef Tips and Rice Recipe to add additional flavor and protein.
  4. Vegetarian. To make this recipe vegetarian, leave out the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. 
Spoonful of red beans and andouille sausage over a pot of red beans and rice

What To Serve With Red Beans And Rice

Serve an entire Cajun meal by pairing the Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice with these recipes.

  • Blackened Cajun Chicken – Blackened chicken is fast, easy, delicious, and wholesome. Pair it as a Cajun main dish for a Mardi Gras meal.
  • Creole Green Beans – Add a light and healthy Creole side to your Louisiana meal. It’s low carb too!
  • Cajun Honey Jalapeno Slaw – Light, refreshing, healthy coleslaw with a kick. There is no mayonnaise in this slaw.
  • Maque Choux – A zesty Cajun Corn side dish to round out your Cajun meal. 
  • Slow Cooker Jambalaya – With smoked sausage, tender chicken pieces, shrimp, vegetables, and soft instant rice, this Jambalaya is infused with bold spices, herbs, and salty-sweet flavors from diced tomatoes and broth

Who knew simple red beans and rice dish could have so much flavor? The friendly folks in Louisiana did, that’s who. They came up with a sensational dish. Like many Cajun recipes, the combination of the Creole Trinity, (that’s what folks from New Orleans call the combination of chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery), with Cajun Seasoning, bay leaves, and other herbs and spices, with the red beans and rice, gives this simple dish a burst of zesty savory flavor. 

According to the DallasNews.com, in New Orleans, Mondays were laundry days, and way back before washing machines were around, laundry was an all-day event. Dinner cooked all day untouched since folks were busy with laundry. They would cook the red beans all day with a ham hock from the Sunday dinner the day before, and let it cook all day.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Looking for more Instant Pot recipes, we have you covered, with easy recipes you’ll love!

  • Instant Pot Pulled Pork – This recipe is made with a Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce and is sweet and tangy and makes awesome pulled pork sandwiches or tacos for game day or a barbecue.
  • Instant Pot Chili – This thick, hearty Pressure Cooker Chili is super flavorful with its homemade chili seasoning! 
  • Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings – The most popular Instant Pot recipe on the blog, this Chicken and Dumplings is an easy one-pot comfort food meal that can be ready in 30 minutes!
  • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – A quick and easy, creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese that can be on the table in about 15 minutes!

How To Store Red Beans And Rice

  • Place the red beans and sausage mixture in an airtight container and refrigerator for 3 or 4 days.
  • Refrigerate the rice separately from the red beans and sausage.
  • You will be pleasantly surprised because the red beans and rice taste even better the next day.

Can I Freeze Red Beans And Rice

  • Yes! However, freeze the rice separately from the red beans and sausage mixture. Place the red beans and sausage mixture in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and store up to 2 months.

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Recipe

Overhead view of right half of white bowl of Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice with Green Napkin on top right.
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4.91 from 11 votes

Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice Recipe

Enjoy a taste of New Orleans in under an hour with Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice with zesty andouille sausage, red beans, Creole Trinity and Cajun spices!
Course Main Dishes, Side Dishes
Cuisine American, Cajun, Southern
Keyword Instant Pot Recipe, Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice, Mardi Gras Recipe, Red Beans And Rice
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Pressurization 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 359kcal
Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

Equipment

Ingredients

Meat (Broth And Oil)

  • 2 Tablespoons oil
  • 12 ounces andouille sausage (or smoked sausage)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (recommend low sodium broth)

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 16 ounces red kidney beans

Seasonings

Instructions 

  • Brown Sausage. Press the Saute button on the Instant Pot. Wait until the front display of the Instant Pot says "Hot," then add oil to the inner liner pot inside the Instant Pot. When the oil is hot, add the sliced andouille sausage and brown for about 3 minutes on each side, stirring occasionally. Remove the sausage from the Instant Pot and place it on a plate and cover it with foil. Set aside temporarily.
  • Saute Vegetables. Add the chopped onions, chopped bell peppers, and chopped celery and saute for about 3 minutes until they are softened and onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Deglaze The Pot. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the Inner Liner Pot to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will help prevent receiving a Burn Message from the Instant Pot.
  • Add The Rest of Ingredients. Return the sausage to the Instant Pot and pour in the remainder of the chicken broth (3-1/2 cups). Add the red beans, bay leaves, Cajun Seasoning, salt and pepper, thyme, cayenne, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.
  • Pressure Cook. Press CANCEL to stop the Saute function, and place the lid on top and turn to lock. Then press PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL (depending on Instant Pot model) and press the + or – sign to adjust the time to 20 minutes for SOAKED beans or 40 minutes for UNSOAKED beans.
  • Natural Release. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally (this means you do nothing during this time). It may take 30 minutes or more. After the Instant Pot has released the pressure fully and the pin has dropped, then open the lid. The beans should be soft.
  • To Thicken. There may be extra liquid. To thicken the beans, remove about 1 cup of beans and mash with a potato masher and then return to the Instant Pot and stir. It should thicken up in a few minutes.

Video

Notes

I use a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo60. See link in the Equipment section above.

Instant Pot Quick Soaking Beans

If you want to soak the beans but forgot to soak them overnight, no worries. You can do a quick soak of the beans by using the Instant Pot. It is super easy. This will need to be done BEFORE you start to make the Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe.
  • Place 2 cups of red beans in the Instant Pot.
  • Add 6 cups of water with a teaspoon of salt and pressure cook on high for 1 minute. Yes, that is correct. I said one minute.
  • Let the Instant Pot do natural pressure release. (This may take up to 45 minutes. It is during this time that the soaking magic happens. So just leave it alone until all the pressure is released and the pin has dropped.)
  • Drain and rinse the red beans, and follow the recipe below for Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice.
Substitutions
  • Sausage – If you can find Andouille sausage, use your favorite smoked sausage.
  • Broth – Use chicken broth, chicken stock, vegetable broth, or water. It just needs to be a thin liquid to allow for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
  • Beans – If you can’t find small red beans, use red kidney beans.
  • Cajun Seasoning – I recommend making my Homemade Cajun Seasoning or leave it out and increase salt and pepper to 1 tsp each, add 1/2 tsp paprika, and increase cayenne to 1/2 tsp or whatever amount you can tolerate.

Tips For Perfect Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice

  1. If the sausage is firm, cook it with the beans in the Instant Pot. However, if the sausage is soft, after browning, remove the sausage from the Instant Pot and set aside. After the red beans have finished pressure cooking, add the sausage back in with the beans and let the heat from the beans heat the sausage.
  2. Always use a Natural Pressure Release for the beans. The beans continue to cook while the pressure is releasing. This may take up to 30 minutes, or more.
  3. The beans should be soft after cooking. However, if after 40 minutes of pressure cooking, and 30 minutes of natural release, they are not, put the lid back on, move the pressure release valve to the SEALING position, and pressure cook for 15 minutes more.
  4. If after pressure cooking, you would like the red beans to be thicker, then follow the instructions above to thicken the red beans by mashing some of the beans and returning the mashed beans into the Instant Pot.

Variations of Red Beans And Rice

  1. Ham It Up. Add a ham hock and cook with the red beans and rice for an authentic flavor. When it is finished pressure cooking and the pressure has been fully released, remove the ham hock, chop up the ham into pieces and put back in the red beans and rice.
  2. Bacon. Instead of sausage, you could use bacon instead and cook pieces of bacon using the saute function, and then cook the vegetables in the bacon fat.
  3. Vegetarian. To make this recipe vegetarian, leave out the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. 

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 1284mg | Potassium: 742mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 816IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 4mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Caitlin says

    Could I use canned kidney beans (don’t need to cook/only warm them up) and just add them in after the 20 min cook time?

    I would like to use up some of my cans versus buying dried beans.

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Michele says

      Hi Caitlyn, yes, you can do that. However, be aware that they likely will not be nearly as flavorful as using the dried beans because they won’t have the opportunity to soak up all the flavor while cooking.

      Reply

    • Michele says

      Hi Carmen,
      The recipe is in the printable recipe card just above the comments. Just scroll up. You can click print to get a print format of the recipe that you can print or save.

      Thanks,

      Michele

      Reply

    • Michele says

      Hi Ashley,

      If you make it so it is ready maybe an hour ahead of when you are ready to serve, then it would probably be fine. However, if you want to make it 8 hours ahead of time then after cooking I would leave the red beans and rice in the inner liner pot and place the inner liner pot in the refrigerator until about 20 minutes before serving. Then before dinner, place the inner liner pot with the red beans and rice back into the Instant Pot and pressure cook for 5 minutes and then do a quick release. I hope that helps.

      Thanks,

      Michele

      Reply

  6. Hannah says

    This was absolutely delicious. My whole family loved it. I have made red beans and rice before but this recipe was way better than the one I used before. So much flavor in such a short time. This will definitely be made again.

    Reply

    • Michele says

      Hi Hannah,

      I’m so happy that you and your family loved it. We love it too. It is amazing how much flavor it has. Thank you for leaving the nice comment. Be sure to share the recipe blog post with family and friends, and check out our other recipes too.

      Thanks,

      Michele

      Reply

  7. Anna says

    This is the best red beans and rice recipe I have tried in the instant pot and I have tried several. Exactly what I was looking for. I used low sodium broth and did not add any salt. We live in MN so it’s difficult to find good andouille sausage so that’s kind of a bummer especially since we ha e had the real thing in LA!!
    Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply

  8. Connie says

    Thank you again for another excellent recipe! My husband and kids really enjoyed this. I did add a ham hock as you suggested. Will definitely make again.

    Reply

    • Michele says

      Hi Rhea, if you half the recipe, you do not need to shorten the pressure cook time.

      The time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, and to release pressure, will be shortened because there are fewer beans and less water. Since the beans cook the entire time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure and release pressure, the cooking time will be shortened by the reduction in time it takes to come up to pressure and release pressure.

      I hope that helps.

      Thanks,

      Michele

      Reply

    • Michele says

      Hi Corinne,

      I’m so glad you loved it. It is one of our favorites too. We aren’t going to restaurants as much right now. So it is nice to be able to make these recipes at home.

      Michele

      Reply

    • Michele says

      Hi Trudi,

      Yes, there would be a change in both texture and flavor. I have not tried it with celery seed before but I bet it would be delicious.

      Michele

      Reply

    • Michele says

      Hi Honey,

      I have not tried doubling the recipe in the 6-qt Instant Pot. I’m not sure if the 6-qt is large enough to double the recipe. However, if you have an 8-qt Instant Pot, then yes, you should be able to double the recipe.

      Reply

  14. Mishael says

    I made this tonight and it was fabulous! We’re vegetarian. I used Tofurkey sausage in place of the original sausage and followed the directions. I’ll definitely be making this again! Thank you!

    Reply

  15. MommaMac says

    Love this recipe. We lived in New Orleans for five years and I’m used to this being an all day cook. Love that it’s less than an hr. to make.

    Reply
4.91 from 11 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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