Skip to main content
Main Course • Cajun and Creole

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Recipe

This classic Creole dish gets a convenient, modern upgrade with this Instant Pot red beans and rice! Flavorful andouille sausage and tender red beans cook to perfection in a smoky, Cajun-spiced sauce that's served over fluffy rice for one stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal.

4.9 from 157 votes
85 mins
Total Time
8
servings
Jump to Recipe
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

How to Make the Best Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

This classic Creole dish gets a convenient, modern upgrade with this Instant Pot red beans and rice! Traditional Louisiana red beans and rice is a beloved comfort food that typically requires hours of simmering. With the help of a pressure cooker, you can have this flavorful, stick-to-your-ribs meal on the table in about an hour and a half.

The secret to authentic red beans and rice is building layers of flavor. This recipe starts by sautéing andouille sausage to develop a rich, smoky base, then adds the classic Cajun holy trinity of celery, onion, and bell pepper. Combined with aromatic garlic, chicken stock, and a generous dose of Cajun seasoning, the beans cook under pressure until they’re perfectly tender while absorbing all those incredible flavors.

The finishing touch is a cornstarch slurry that transforms the cooking liquid into a silky, rich sauce. Served over fluffy white rice and topped with optional hot sauce and fresh parsley, this Instant Pot version delivers all the authentic taste of the slow-cooked original in a fraction of the time.

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

This classic Creole dish gets a convenient, modern upgrade with this Instant Pot red beans and rice! Flavorful andouille sausage and tender red beans cook to perfection in a smoky, Cajun-spiced sauce that's served over fluffy rice for one stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal.

4.9 from 157 votes
CourseMain Course
CuisineCajun and Creole
Keywordinstant pot recipes, red beans and rice, cajun recipes, creole recipes, andouille sausage
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time70 mins
Total Time85 mins
Servings8 servings
Calories585kcal
AuthorRare Ivy
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Seasonings & Aromatics

Finishing Touches

For Serving

Instructions

Sauté the Sausage

  1. Using the Sauté function, heat bacon grease or canola oil.
  2. Brown half of the Andouille sausage. Flip and brown on the other side, about three minutes each side. Remove from Instant Pot.
  3. Repeat with the other half of the sausage and remove from Instant Pot.

Build the Flavor Base

  1. Add the celery, onion and green bell pepper to the Instant Pot. Cook until soft, about four to five minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Pressure Cook

  1. Pour in chicken stock. Add browned Andouille sausage, ham hocks, red beans, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
  2. Put on the lid and turn the valve to seal. Cook on manual for 50 minutes.

Release & Thicken

  1. When the time is up, allow to naturally release for at least 20 minutes. Remove the lid and turn again to the Sauté function.
  2. In a small cup, stir together cornstarch and just enough cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the Instant Pot.
  3. Cook uncovered until it thickens, about 10 minutes.

Finish & Serve

  1. Remove thyme and bay leaves and stir in apple cider vinegar.
  2. Add salt to taste if needed. You can also add even more Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper if you'd like more heat.
  3. Serve on white rice with hot sauce and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add more Cajun seasoning to taste.
  • Make sure to sort and rinse the red beans before cooking to remove any debris.
  • The ham hocks add tremendous flavor; don't skip this ingredient if possible.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham hocks and sausage with additional vegetables or plant-based proteins.
Jump to Recipe