We love vacationing in New Orleans, especially for the incredible food. One of our all-time favorite dishes is red beans and rice. While everyone has their own take on this classic, our version is as easy as it gets—just add the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. When you come home, you’ll be greeted by a delicious pot of red beans and a house filled with an amazing aroma. Made with simple ingredients and bold flavor, these slow-cooker, no-soak red beans are a budget-friendly comfort food that’s perfect for an easy, hearty meal.

Slow cooker red beans and sausage served with cooked white rice, lime, and garlic on a wooden tray. Perfect comfort food recipe for easy family dinners or meal prep.

Serves: 9
Prep Time: 5 minuttes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours on Low ~ 5 hours on High

Ingredients:

1 lb Red Kidney Bean (dry)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 onion (diced)
4 celery ribs (sliced or diced)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
32 oz box of low sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1 Ham hock (approximately ½-1lb)
13.5 oz Andouille sausage (sliced or diced)
a few dashes of Creole Seasoning (to taste)

Dry, red kidney beans, green bell pepper, one onion, diced celery, ribs 32-ounce box of low-sodium chicken broth, one ham hock, and then Dewey sausage as well as creole seasoning on parchment paper on the white counter. As well as a garlic.

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Why This Recipe Works:

Budget-friendly ingredients: Dry red beans, vegetables, and simple pantry staples keep this meal affordable while still making a big, satisfying pot.
Easy slow cooker method: Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook low and slow, making this recipe perfect for busy days.
No soaking needed: The long cooking time helps the beans become tender without the extra prep step.
Bold, comforting flavor: Ham hock, andouille sausage, garlic, and Creole seasoning give the beans a rich, smoky taste inspired by classic red beans and rice.
Great for feeding a crowd: This recipe makes plenty, so it’s ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or leftovers.
Hearty and filling: Served over white rice, it becomes a complete comfort meal that’s both satisfying and economical.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Load the slow cooker with all your ingredients, then set it on low for 8-10 hours. Stir ingredients at the beginning and at the end of cooking.

Step 2: Taste your cooked red beans and add additional Creole seasoning if desired. Serve it with white rice for a classic, hearty meal, and top with green onions for a little freshness.

Dry, red kidney beans, diced celery, diced green, bell pepper, diced white onion, and minced garlic, all in a black crockpot on the counter.

Chicken broth, diced green pepper, diced celery, diced onions, minced garlic, ham, hock, and Dewey sausage and creole seasoning all in crockpot on the counter.

Tips:

For lower sodium, use no-salt chicken broth. I also bought a 2-pound package of three ham hocks and used just one for this recipe. You may also want to try some of our other favorite slow cooker meals- Slow Cooker Faves! or our Slow Cooker Meatballs.

FAQ:

Do you have to soak red beans before cooking? (No, you don’t have to soak red beans with this recipe. Just rinse and sort them before adding to the slow cooker. They will soften as they cook low and slow.)
How long do red beans take in the slow cooker? (Red beans typically take 7 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high in the slow cooker, depending on the size and the freshness of the beans. Also, depending on the heat setting of your crockpot or slow cooker.)
Why are my red beans still hard after cooking? (If your beans are still firm, they may need more time or more liquid. Also, avoid adding acidic ingredients like vinegar, tomatoes at the beginning, as they can slow down the softening process.)
How do you thicken red beans in the slow cooker? (The easiest way is to mash some of the beans directly in the pot or stir. This releases starch and creates a natural creamy texture without adding anything extra.)
Can you freeze the slow cooker red beans? (Yes, red beans freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to three months. Thought and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.)

Lazy Slow Cooker Red Beans

Savory Cajun red beans and sausage served with cooked white rice, lime, and garlic on a wooden tray. Perfect comfort food recipe for easy family dinners or meal prep.

Just pop all the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do its thing on low for 8 to 10 hours.

Tara

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 5

Servings

Equipment

Slow cooker

Ingredients

1 lb Red Kidney Bean (dry)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 onion (diced)
4 celery ribs (sliced or diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
32 oz box of low sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1 Ham hock (approximately ½-1lb)
13.5 oz Andouille sausage (sliced or diced)
a few dashes of Creole Seasoning (to taste)

Instructions

Put all of your ingredients into the slow cooker and set it on low for 8-10 hours. Stir ingredients at the beginning and at the end of cooking.
Taste your cooked red beans and add additional seasoning if desired. Serve it with white rice for a classic, hearty meal, and top with green onions for a little freshness.