Slow-Cooked Cajun Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Okra

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, slow-cooked gumbo featuring smoky andouille sausage and tender okra, infused with traditional Louisiana spices and a dark roux. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 95 minutes pairs andouille sausage, sliced, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for 15 minutes until the mixture turns a dark brown color (dark roux), being careful not to burn it.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, and 3 diced celery stalks to the roux. Sauté while stirring for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 12 oz sliced andouille sausage, cooking for 4 minutes until fragrant and the sausage begins to brown.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken stock and 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, then add 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup sliced okra and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the gumbo simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld and the gumbo thickens.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked white rice with 2 tbsp chopped green onions sprinkled on top.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Cajun Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Okra take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Cajun Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Okra?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep andouille sausage, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Cajun Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Okra?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Cajun Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Okra for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Cajun Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Okra?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes