In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.

Easy Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice: A Flavorful One-Pot Meal

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is your go-to solution. Inspired by the classic Creole staple, this recipe combines tender red beans, savory andouille sausage, and aromatic vegetables in a rich, smoky sauce, served over perfectly cooked basmati rice. Whether you’re an Instant Pot novice or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rice:

• 2 cups (390g) basmati rice
• 2 cups (500ml) water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the Red Beans:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 lb (454g) dry red kidney beans
• 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1–2 teaspoons Creole or Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 7 cups (1750ml) water
• 1 lb (454g) andouille sausage, cut into thin slices

Instructions

Cooking the Rice:

1. Rinse and Drain the Rice: Begin by thoroughly rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

2. Prepare the Rice for Cooking: In an Instant Pot-safe dish, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, olive oil, and salt. Stir to combine.

3. Set up the Instant Pot: Add 2 cups of water to the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Place a long-legged trivet inside, then set the dish with the rice on top of the trivet. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, poking a few holes with a fork for ventilation.

4. Pressure Cook the Rice: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to Pressure Cook on High for 5 minutes. After cooking, allow for a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

5. Rest the Rice: Carefully remove the dish from the Instant Pot and let the rice cool, still covered, for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture.

Cooking the Red Beans:

1. Sauté the Sausage: Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced andouille sausage. Sauté for a few minutes until the sausage is golden brown. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove the sausage and set it aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

3. Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage to the pot and add the diced green and red bell peppers, celery, red kidney beans, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Creole or Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaves, and 7 cups of water. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

4. Pressure Cook the Beans: Secure the Instant Pot lid, lock it, and set it to cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow for a Natural Pressure Release, which should take about 25 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Assemble the Dish: Spoon the tender and flavorful red bean mixture over a bed of the fluffy basmati rice.
• Garnish: For an added touch of freshness, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Tips for Success

• Adjusting Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to suit your taste. You can increase the Creole seasoning for a spicier dish or add more smoked paprika for additional smokiness.
• Soaking the Beans: Although this recipe uses dry beans, soaking them overnight can reduce cooking time and enhance digestibility.
• Rice Alternatives: While basmati rice is recommended for its fluffy texture, you can substitute with jasmine or long-grain white rice if preferred.

This Easy Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend feast, it’s a dish that brings the heart of Creole cooking to your kitchen with minimal effort. Enjoy this soul-satisfying meal with family and friends, and savor the taste of New Orleans, one spoonful at a time!

Easy Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice

A classic Southern comfort dish made easy and quick with the Instant Pot. Perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Natural Pressure Release 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the rice

• 390 g basmati rice
• 500 ml water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/8 tsp salt

For the red beans

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 454 g dry red kidney beans
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1-2 tsp Creole seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1750 ml water
• 454 g andouille sausage cut into thin slices

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Trivet

Method

 

1. Start by rinsing and draining the rice.
2. Add 2 cups of water to the Instant Pot inner pot.
3. Add the rice, salt, and 2 cups of water to an Instant Pot safe dish and stir to combine.
4. Add a long-legged trivet to the Instant Pot. Place the dish with the rice on top of the trivet. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and use a fork to poke a few holes to allow for slight ventilation.
5. Close the lid and pressure cook on High for 5 mins and perform a 10 min Natural Pressure Release. Manually release any remaining pressure and then open the lid.
6. Remove the dish with the rice, set aside and let cool while still covered for 10 mins.
7. Turn Sauté mode on, once hot, add the olive oil.
8. Once the oil is simmering, add the sliced sausage and saute for a few mins, until golden brown. If needed, cook in batches. Remove sausages and put them on a plate.
9. Next, add the onion and saute for 1 min.
10. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 secs, stirring with your spatula.
11. Add the sausage and the rest of the ingredients to the Instant Pot.
12. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid, lock it and cook on High Pressure for 35 mins.
13. Once done cooking, perform a Natural Pressure Release, which should take about 25 mins.
14. Serve the bean mixture over cooked rice with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. This dish pairs well with a side of cornbread or a green salad.