Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Learn how to make Red Beans and Rice in the Instant Pot! Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is a simple, home cooked New Orleans staple that’s light on the wallet but heavy on flavor. This no-soak version is loaded with sausage, the “holy trinity”, creole seasoning, and white rice. 

This recipe was originally posted back in Jan. 2018. I’ve since re-made it countless times to test different timings, and ingredients. This updated version is the result of 6 years of testing and tweaking. I’ve also added new photos.

To quote the genius that is Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Red Beans and Rice Didn’t Miss Her”. Hopefully this recipe doesn’t miss a place on your menu plan.

White bowl with sausage and white rice.

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Ingredients

Here are the key simple ingredients required to make. For the full list of ingredients, see the recipe card below:

  • Sausage – The best kind of sausage to use is spicy andouille sausage, but you can always use Smoked Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage instead.
  • Creole Seasoning (or even Cajun Seasoning)
  • Dried Red Kidney Beans – Using these small red beans is traditional. Do not try and use canned beans. They will turn to mush.
  • Rice – Long grain rice is ideal. If using Jasmine rice, reduce the cook time to 5 minutes. Do not use any variety of short grain rice or brown rice.

Note – Ham hock is pretty traditional to include in Southern Recipes. If you want to throw one in the mix, add it with the beans before cooking.

labeled photo showing ingredients to make Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice.

Step by Step Instructions

Here’s a brief overview of the steps needed to make Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice. For the full list of instructions, see the recipe card below:

Brown the Sausage – Add the olive oil to the pre-heated Instant Pot and brown the sausage. Remove to a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables – Sauté the onions, green bell pepper, celery and garlic until tender.  

side by side photos showing an instant pot with browned sausage and vegetables.

Mix In The Rest Of The Ingredients –  Add the beans, water and rest of the red beans and rice seasonings to the pot.

Cook –  Cook on high pressure for 55 minutes and let natural release for 15 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure. Check the beans for doneness. The beans should yield easily when pressure is applied. If they’re still a bit firm for your liking, cook for another 2-3 minutes.

side by side photo showing instant pot with red beans and broth inside.

Make the Rice – While the pressure is releasing, make the white rice on the stovetop.

Reduce the Sauce – The texture should be thick and “stew like”. Remove the bay leaves, add the browned sausage and saute for 10-15 minutes until your desired texture is achieved.

Taste and Serve – Taste and add extra salt and/or creole seasoning to your preferred liking. Serve immediately over white rice and garnish with green onions and hot sauce.

pressure cooker filled with liquid and browned sausage rounds.

Cooking Time

One of the main features I personally look for, when making any recipe, is the total cook time. Especially if it’s an Instant Pot recipes. I’ve seen quite a few not list the time it takes to come to pressure and the time it takes to release pressure. From start to finish, this easy red beans and rice recipe takes approx. 2 hours, including the previously mentioned time frames. Thankfully, the majority of it is hands off time.

Red Bean Selection

The best part of this pressure cooker red beans recipe is you don’t have to pre-cook the beans, soak the beans, or use canned beans.  Simply purchase a pound of dry, uncooked small red beans at the grocery store and let the instant pot do the rest.

If you have extremely hard water or live at a high altitude, you may want to pre-soak your beans to ensure tender beans. It’s not necessary if neither of these items apply to you. We don’t soak them when making Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas or Black Eyed Peas Recipe and the beans turn out perfect.

Cooked white rice in a sauce pan being fluffed with fork.

Side Dish Ideas

What goes with red beans and rice? This rice dish is a complete meal, so no sides are required. Of course if you’re feeling up to it, make a pan of cornbread or side salad. Even a slice of bread would hit the spot.

Drink Pairing Recommendations

The spiciness of Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice pairs really well with white wines, particular Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. If you prefer red opt for a hearty Pinot Noir. If you prefer cocktails, the obvious choice is a hurricane.

White bowl with sausage and white rice.

Darcey’s Tips For Success 

  • You can use beef/chicken/vegetable stock in place of water, if desired. I use Instant Pot Bone Broth if I have it on hand.
  • Grab a Substitute for beef broth or chicken broth substitute if you don’t have any on hand.
  • Increase the cajun seasonings if you prefer your rice and beans to have a lot of heat. Or add some tabasco sauce or Louisiana Hot Sauce when serving.
  • Can this be made in advance? Negative. You’ll be left with soggy, mushy rice. It’s best enjoyed immediately after making.
  • For an extra thick texture, remove a cup of cooked beans and use a potato masher to mash before returning it to the pot. 
  • Store leftover Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Southern Recipes

Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the Good Times Roll! With Mardi Gras coming up, many of you will be hosting a party to celebrate. In addition to beans and rice, make sure you check out our other creole recipes: Instant Pot JambalayaJambalaya Soup, Stovetop Cajun Rice and Beans and Muffaletta sandwich.

white bowl filled with rice, red beans and sausage.

This recipe was originally posted in January 2018, but has been updated with new photos, additional text and slight edits to the recipe. The above picture is one of the original photos.

Bowl full of instant pot red beans and rice.

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Red Beans and Rice is a simple, home cooked New Orleans staple that's light on the wallet but heavy on flavor. Loaded with cajun seasonings and sausage you'll be serving this red beans and rice recipe for years to come.
4.92 from 48 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Come to Pressure/Natural Release: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Calories: 803kcal
Author: Darcey Olson
Cost: $15

Equipment

Ingredients

RED BEANS & RICE

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb smoked link sausage, sliced into ¼" rounds
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced into ¼" half moons
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups beef or chicken stock
  • 1 lb dried small red beans
  • 2 tsp creole seasoning.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp dried sage
  • ¼ tsp salt + more to taste
  • 2 bay leaves

WHITE RICE

  • 2 cups Long Grain White Rice
  • 3 cups Water

Instructions

COOK THE BEANS AND SAUSAGE:

  • Turn ON the Instant Pot and click the sauté setting. Once hot, add 1 tbsp of oil and turn to coat the bottom.
  • Add the sausage and brown on both sides (about 5 minutes). Once browned, transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Do not remove the left over grease.
  • If needed, add 1 tbsp of oil. Add the onions, green bell pepper, and celery and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Add the water, broth, beans, cajun seasoning, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried sage, salt, black pepper and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  • Place the lid on the pot with the valve in the sealed position. Cook on high pressure for 55 minutes. Let natural release for 15 minutes then quick release the rest of the pressure.
  • Remove the bay leaves and check the beans for doneness. The beans should yield easily when pressure is applied. If they're still a bit firm for your liking, cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • (OPTIONAL STEP TO ADD THICKNESS): Remove 1 cup of the bean mixture and transfer to a small bowl. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and add back into the pot.
  • Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Press the saute button and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until desired thickness is achieved.

COOK THE WHITE RICE:

  • When the Instant Pot is releasing pressure, prepare the rice.
  • In a non-stick saucepan, bring the water and the rice to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

SERVE THE DISH:

  • Taste and add extra salt and/or creole seasoning to your preferred liking. Serve immediately over hot white rice and garnish with green onions and hot sauce.

Notes

Make sure to read the entire blog post/recipe for tips before making this recipe. Customize it to your taste!

Nutrition

Calories: 803kcal | Carbohydrates: 106g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 1481mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 539IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 7mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @foodieandwine or tag #foodieandwine!

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