Instant Pot red beans and rice is a quick way to get a healthy dinner on the go without presoaking dried beans! This pressure cooker meal turns red beans, sausage, and veggies into a rich, flavorful dish that allows the sweet and smoky pork flavors to shine through.
1(12.8 ounce)package smoked andouille sausage, cut into thin slices
1yellow onion, diced
1green bell pepper, diced
3ribs celery, diced
3cloves garlic, minced
5cupschicken broth or vegetable broth
1pounddry red beans(Preferably Camellia brand)
salt, to taste
ground pepper, to taste
1teaspoonCajun seasoning
2bay leaves
2sprigs fresh thyme(or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
cooked white long-grain rice, for serving
hot sauce, for serving
Instructions
Rinse the beans and side aside.
To the instant pot, press [Saute]. Wait until the display reads "Hot". Add olive oil and andouille sausage. Lightly brown both sides and transfer to a plate.
Add more oil, if needed, then add onion, green bell peppers, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
Deglaze the pot with chicken broth. Add the remaining ingredients: red beans, salt, ground pepper, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, and thyme. Do not stir.
Close the lid and set the pressure release valve to the "sealing" position. Select [Pressure Cook/Manual] on High Pressure for 35 minutes. When the cooking program ends, let it release pressure naturally. Discard the bay leaves and thyme. Stir the sausages back in.
Serve immediately with rice and hot sauce.
Notes
Avoid the "burn" notice by making sure it says "HOT" before adding the oil. Also, be sure to deglaze the pot and loosen the bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. Follow the "DO NOT STIR" instructions. The way the ingredients are layered ensures there is enough liquid at the bottom of the pot.
Do not pressure cook the sausage. I've tested this recipe several times by pressure cooking the sausage and it turned out overcooked each time. Leave the sausage out and stir it back in after the beans are done cooking.
Are your beans not cooked? Add a bit more liquid, close back the lid, and pressure cook for another 5-10 minutes.