Crockpot Recipes

January 21, 2026

Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice for Cozy Nights

Name: Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice for Cozy Nights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound of dried red beans; 1 onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon thyme; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked rice; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

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Difficulty Easy

Recipe by

Mia

103 Views • 6 min read

Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice for Cozy Nights

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Let me tell you, there’s something magical about a bowl of Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening! The aroma of those spicy Cajun flavors fills the kitchen and instantly transports me to a cozy Southern kitchen. I love how the slow cooker does all the work for me—just toss in the ingredients, set it, and go about my day. When it’s finally time to eat, the beans are tender, the spices are perfectly blended, and the rice just soaks up all that delicious flavor. Plus, it’s a bit of a comforting classic that feels hearty and wholesome. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!

Ingredients List

1 pound of dried red beans
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon thyme
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked rice
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious dish! The beauty of Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice is in its simplicity. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal waiting for you at the end of the day!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, rinse and soak your dried red beans overnight. This helps them cook evenly and makes them nice and tender. If you forget to soak them, don’t worry! Just give them a good rinse and soak them for at least 1-2 hours in hot water.
Once your beans are ready, grab your slow cooker. Toss in the soaked beans along with the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. It’s a colorful mix that’s packed with flavor!
Now, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and thyme. Trust me, this is where the magic happens. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Make sure the beans are submerged in the liquid.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 8 hours. You can go about your day while your meal simmers away. Just imagine that wonderful aroma wafting through your home!
When the beans are tender, it’s time to stir in the cooked rice. This is a crucial step—don’t skip it! This will help absorb all that delicious broth and flavors.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. You might want to taste it first, just to make sure it’s bursting with flavor!

And there you have it! A bowl of comfort that’s just waiting to be enjoyed. Don’t forget to savor the moment; you’ve earned it!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, soaking the beans is key—this not only helps them cook faster but also ensures they’re tender and creamy. If you’re short on time, remember that a quick soak in hot water for about 1-2 hours works just fine.

Next, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste! If you love a kick, feel free to add a bit more Cajun seasoning or throw in some hot sauce when serving. And always taste before seasoning—sometimes a little salt goes a long way in bringing out the flavors.

Lastly, if you want to add even more depth, consider tossing in a bay leaf or some smoked sausage during cooking for that extra layer of flavor. You’ll impress everyone with your culinary skills!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time—just 15 minutes to toss everything in the slow cooker!
Hearty and filling, making it perfect for a family meal or comforting leftovers.
Rich, bold Cajun flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Nutritious and nourishing, thanks to the fiber-packed red beans and fresh veggies.
Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or spice levels.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Each serving of this hearty Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice is approximately 250 calories, packed with 12 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber—pretty great for a comforting dish!

Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:

Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 12g

Remember, these values can fluctuate depending on how you customize your recipe. So, feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy every delicious, nutritious bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries about making the perfect Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice:

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll still get that amazing flavor without the meat!

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down a bit before sealing it up!

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can! Just rinse and drain 2 cans of red beans and add them in during the last hour of cooking. This keeps them from getting mushy.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No problem! You can create your own mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne. It’ll add that lovely kick!

Can I freeze this dish?
Definitely! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store your delicious Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice, let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those hearty leftovers throughout the week!

When you’re ready to dig in again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl; just cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap to keep it moist. Enjoy every warm, flavorful bite!

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection!

For tips on cooking beans, you can refer to this nutritional guide on beans.

If you’re interested in more slow cooker recipes, visit our crockpot section!

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