Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is a quick, easy twist on the traditional Creole recipe. Dried red beans cook with sausage, onion, bell pepper and garlic in the electric pressure cooker until the beans are soft and creamy. Serve over fluffy white rice for the perfect weeknight dinner. Makes 6 servings.

Love comfort food in the Instant Pot? Don’t miss my Instant Pot Gumbo, Texas Chili and Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese.

Three decorative white bowls hold servings of Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice, on a blue towel on marble with glasses of beer surrounding

Back in the early days of 2020, I set out to make some bean-based suppers for our family that they would enjoy since we (shockingly!) had dried beans in our pantry.

Having certain ingredients in our pantry while other mainstays were missing and unavailable for purchase really forced me to get creative…

I’m so excited to debut this Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice for y’all today.

Why I love this recipe:

These Instant Pot Red Beans have been tested a lot.

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    My husband, kids and I all adore it because it is the perfect comfort food… but it takes less time to make.

    And we all know that’s a win if you’ve got small kids, a job or don’t like to hang close to the kitchen all day.

    I’m not going to call this recipe authentic—because authentic red beans and rice are cooked on the stovetop—but if you’re looking for something that tastes like the classic that doesn’t take all day? This recipe is for you, my friend.

    If you’re curious about the history of this dish, as well as the difference between Creole and Cajun, I talk about both in length beneath the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of this blog post.

    Other Louisiana recipes: Crawfish Pie | Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya / Chicken and Sausage Gumbo / Turkey Sausage Jambalaya / Shrimp and Grits / Crawfish Etouffee

    Looking for some more dinner recipes? Check out my Dinner recipe index.

    Ingredients for the recipe, including sausage, butter, onion, bell pepper, red beans and more, on marble

    What you’ll need to make this recipe:

    The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.

    Let’s talk ingredients!

    In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.

    Here’s what you need:

    • Unsalted butter —you may substitute a mild oil if you don’t have this on hand.
    • Spicy sausage—Andouille sausage is traditional for red beans and rice, but a hot Italian sausage works. So does mild Italian sausage, if you don’t like the heat.
    • Onion, bell pepper and garlic—there are no replacements for these lovely ingredients, so make sure you’ve got ‘em on hand. Unlike many Creole and Cajun dishes, this recipe doesn’t call for the Trinity because it omits the celery. The more you know.
    • Seasonings—we’re using both red pepper flakes and kosher salt to season our beans. However, you may use Creole seasoning in place of the salt if you’d like! (Keep in mind that most Creole and Cajun seasonings are loaded with salt, so you don’t need extra.)
    • Dried red beans—do not even consider using canned red beans in this dish or it’ll be completely mush when you take the lid off. You may also use red kidney beans, which are a little larger, if you can’t find small red beans.
    • Bay leaf
    • Chicken stock—we like to use the unsalted variety in our household because it means we get to control all the salt going into our dish. You may use the kind that has been salted, though I caution to use a light hand with the salt in the dish.
    • White rice—you’ll want this cooked, for serving. Unfortunately, we don’t cook the rice along with the beans in the Instant Pot.

    Substitution Notes:

    Substitutions:

    • I used fresh hot Italian sausage in this recipe because that’s what I could find. You can easily use smoked sausage, too. The smoked sausage will hold up better in the cooking, though both will taste delicious. You can also use Andouille sausage if you can find it—fresh or smoked. If you don’t like spicy sausage, use a mild Italian sausage.
    • Not a fan of the heat? Leave out the red pepper flakes or use half of them.
    • Dairy free? Use any neutral oil that has a higher smoke point, like avocado oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, etc.
    • Vegetable stock works for chicken stock in this recipe. If you don’t have either on hand, water would work in a pinch, too.

    How to make Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

    First and foremost, chop your veggies. We want them ready to go before we turn on the Instant Pot. (You can also forgo this step by purchasing pre-chopped veggies at the store if that’s more your speed.)

    Sort the beans, removing any broken beans, oddly-shaped ones or natural material from the beans. Set aside. You may throw them into a bowl with cold water for a quick 15-20 minute soak, but it is not necessary.

    When everything is chopped and out of the fridge, turn on the Instant Pot to the Saute setting. (Please note if your electric pressure cooker doesn’t have this setting, you’re going to need to get out a skillet to do this part.) Add butter, and stir until melted.

    Gently place the sausage in the butter with tongs. Sear on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. You do not have to cook the sausage all the way through—we just want to get some good color on it here!

    Remove the sausage from the pan, and place on a cutting board. We’ll let it cool for a few moments before we slice it into rounds.

    Next, add in the garlic, onion and bell pepper to the pot. Season them with the red pepper flakes and salt, and stir occasionally, cooking until soft. This will take 10-15 minutes, just depending on your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. We want these to pull up bits stuck to the pan left from the sausage to have as much flavor as possible.

    Slice the sausage as the veggies cook. (Multi-tasking for the win!)

    When the veggies are soft, pour in the stock. Add in the red beans, bay leaf and sliced sausage, too.

    Place the lid on the Instant Pot, and seal. Pressure cook on high pressure for 2 hours 30 minutes.

    When the cooking is done, let the Instant Pot sit, naturally releasing the pressure.

    Remove the lid carefully. Smash some of the red beans with a potato masher or the back of your spoon to create a thicker, creamier texture.

    Serve over warm white rice with a garnish of parsley. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like it spicy, and enjoy.

    A ladle lifts red beans out of the Instant Pot, after cooking

    Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips

    You’re probably going to roll your eyes when I tell you that Red Beans and Rice is an awesome party dish!

    I know, I know. The history of this dish makes it a comforting Monday night meal, but I love a good comfort food to share with friends, and this one is particularly awesome since it’s hands-off.

    Here are some suggestions for making this dish for your people. Since Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is super cozy, I think this would be great to enjoy while watching football or anytime in the fall or winter when you’re wanting something comforting.

    • Make your prepwork faster by purchasing pre-chopped onion, green bell pepper and garlic. (Or prep them in advance yourself and store them in the fridge until it’s cooking time.)
    • Invest in a rice cooker. If you’re cooking rice for a crowd, this is infinitely easier than doing the stovetop method. (My Louisianan husband is nodding his head as he reads this. The rice cooker is probably his favorite kitchen appliance we own.)
    • Don’t sweat the small stuff. When you’re entertaining friends, you’re supposed to have fun. Since this red beans and rice is hands-off while it cooks under pressure, it’s a great recipe for hosting.
    • Double the recipe for a crowd! Because everybody loves red beans and rice, and my family of four (which includes a 5-year-old and an almost 2-year-old) can take down an entire pot of this in a night.
    Close up of Red Beans served over white rice in a white bowl on a blue striped towel

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s the difference between Creole and Cajun?

    In terms of food, Creole cuisine pulls influence from Spain, Africa, Germany, Italy, Portugal and the West Indies.

    Cajun cooking is more of a one-pot, home cooking made with whatever ingredients the cook has on hand. (I really like how Houma Travel talks about the differences in the cooking and comparing the two to country vs. city cooking, though Cajun cooking can certainly be elevated. Please don’t think it’s all simple food because there is some that can certainly be “fancier.”

    Both have similarities, of course, and oftentimes are thought of as one and the same. They are not, however, the same.

    For example, Creole dishes call for tomatoes and okra while Cajun dishes do not. Which is why you’ve probably read my thoughts on gumbo and the “correct” gumbo ingredients because Cajun gumbo calls for neither, haha.

    But Creole and Cajun are more than just food.

    In fact, the term Creole goes back to the Caribbean, but for this explanation, we’re just going to talk about Louisiana because there is a lot of information out there. (If you want to learn more, I highly suggest reading about this article by Helen Bush Caver and Mary T. Williams.)

    In Louisiana, the word creole was first used to describe someone who was born in the colony (as opposed to anyone born elsewhere.) It was originally used to distinguish the children of colonists and not anyone else—to set them apart in a separate class.

    However, over time, this label has been applied to the people who are descended from the enslaved African American, as well as the Native Americans, who were born in Louisiana.

    Broadly speaking, Louisiana Creole people are the descendants of those who inhabited colonial Louisiana during both French and Spanish rules. Many spoke and speak French, Spanish and Louisiana Creole.

    Cajuns are an ethnic group that lives in Southwest Louisiana. They are also known as Acadians. The Acadians were expelled from what are now the Canadian Maritime provinces during the 1700s during the Great Expulsion. Since they came to Louisiana and settled in the Acadiana region (west of the Mississippi River), the Cajuns are known for their dialect of French, as well as their music, culture and cuisine.

    I don’t have an Instant Pot. How do I make this recipe?

    I’ve got a Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice recipe that would work for you! I haven’t perfected my stovetop Red Beans and Rice, so please check out this recipe from Louisiana Cookin’ if you want one.

    I don’t have dried red beans. Can I make this with canned beans?

    No. If you’re looking for Red Beans and Rice that call for canned beans, check out Jaylynn Little’s Quick Red Beans and Rice.

    Can I make this with a different type of sausage?

    Yes! I used hot Italian sausage because that’s what we had on hand, but Andouille is our go-to sausage for a red beans and rice dish. If you don’t like heat, I suggest a mild Italian sausage because it adds a little sweetness.

    Can I make vegetarian red beans and rice?

    You sure can! If you want vegetarian red beans and rice, simply leave out the sausage and cook this for the same amount of time. Don’t skip the step where you sauté the veggies, though, as that’ll add for a nice depth of flavor.

    Overhead of three white bowls holding Red Beans and Rice on a blue striped towel

    Quick tips for making Red Beans and Rice Instant Pot

    • Give yourself enough time to get it going. While this red beans and rice recipe is pretty hands-off, you still have a portion of time where you’re chopping, searing and sautéing vegetables before the pressure cooker lid goes on. Don’t forget about it and then panic.
    • The sear and saute make a difference. Don’t skip this step to cut corners because it adds a ton of flavor to the final dish!
    • Don’t forget to cook the rice! We serve this with our favorite white rice, but you can serve it over brown rice if that’s your jam. Time it out so your rice is done around the same time that the beans are.
    • Make it small batch. You can half this recipe and cook it for 1 hour and 30 minutes if you’re just feeding yourself and/or one other person.
    • How to store: Store the red beans and rice in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    Three decorative white bowls hold servings of Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice, on a blue towel on marble with glasses of beer surrounding
    Yield: 6 servings

    Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
    Total Time: 3 hours

    Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is a quick, easy twist on the traditional Creole recipe. Unsoaked, dried red beans cook with sausage, onion, bell pepper and garlic in the electric pressure cooker until the beans are soft and creamy. Serve over fluffy white rice for the perfect weeknight dinner. Makes 4-6 servings.

    Ingredients

    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (can sub oil)
    • 1 lb. spicy pork sausage
    • 6 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 yellow onions, diced (about 2 cups when diced)
    • 1 green bell pepper, small, diced (about 1 cup when chopped)
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 lb. dried red beans (about 2 heaping cups)
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 32 oz. chicken stock, unsalted* if possible
    • 4 cups white rice, cooked, for serving

    Instructions

    1. Turn on the Instant Pot to the Saute setting. Set for 30 minutes.
      Add the butter, and stir until melted.
    2. Add the sausage to the pan, and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, and then remove. (Please note that it doesn’t have to be cooked through for you to remove it. We just want to get some good color on it.)
    3. When the sausage is out of the pan and cooling on a cutting board, add in the garlic, onion and bell pepper. Season with red pepper flakes and salt. Cook until soft, about 10-15 minutes.
    4. Slice the sausage as the veggies cook until soft.
    5. When the veggies are soft, pour in the stock. Add the beans, bay leaf and sliced sausage.
    6. Place the lid onto the Instant Pot, and seal. Cook on high pressure for 2 hours 30 minutes.
    7. Let the Instant Pot’s pressure release naturally, and then remove the top carefully.
    8. If desired, smash some of the red beans with a potato masher or the back of your spoon. This will give the sauce a thicker, creamier texture.
    9. Serve over warm white rice with a garnish of parsley.

    Notes

    *If chicken stock is salted or isn’t marked as unsalted, don’t season with salt. Instead, taste the final dish and add extra if needed.

    To half the recipe, use half of the ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

    Substitutions:

    • I used fresh hot Italian sausage in this recipe because that’s what I could find, but you could easily use smoked sausage, too. The smoked sausage will hold up better in the cooking, though both will taste delicious. You can also use Andouille sausage if you can find it—fresh or smoked. If you don’t like spicy sausage, use a mild Italian sausage.
    • Not a fan of the heat? Leave out the red pepper flakes or use half of them.
    • Dairy free? Use any tasteless oil that has a higher smoke point, like avocado oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, etc.
    • Vegetable stock works for chicken stock in this recipe. If you don’t have either on hand, water would work in a pinch, too.
    • Other tips and tricks:
  • Give yourself enough time to get it going. While this red beans and rice recipe is pretty hands-off, you still have a portion of time where you’re chopping, searing and sautéing vegetables before the pressure cooker lid goes on. Don’t forget about it and then panic.
  • The sear and saute make a difference. Don’t skip this step to cut corners because it adds a ton of flavor to the final dish!
  • Don’t forget to cook the rice! We serve this with our favorite white rice, but you can serve it over brown rice if that’s your jam. Time it out so your rice is done around the same time that the beans are.
  • Make it small batch. You can half this recipe and cook it for 1 hour and 30 minutes if you’re just feeding yourself and/or one other person.
  • How to store: Store the red beans and rice in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    6 servings

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 591Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 1017mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 6gSugar: 4gProtein: 28g

    Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.

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    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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    One Comment

    1. We made this last night, and it is delicious! Loved that I could make red beans and rice on shorter notice without having to soak the beans. Thanks, Erin!

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