Slow Cooker Mardi Gras Red Beans with Andouille and Cajun Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Louisiana-style red beans slow-cooked with smoky andouille sausage, aromatic Cajun spices, and vegetables for a comforting Mardi Gras dish. This American-inspired Mardi Gras recipe, ready in about 495 minutes, pairs dry red kidney beans, andouille sausage, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 8, 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: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 1 lb soaked dry red kidney beans and add to a slow cooker along with 1 lb sliced andouille sausage, 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and stir in 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beans are tender and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Remove bay leaves and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot over cooked white rice, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped green onions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a classic Mardi Gras meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Mardi Gras Red Beans with Andouille and Cajun Spices take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Cooker Mardi Gras Red Beans with Andouille and Cajun Spices?

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 dry red kidney beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Mardi Gras Red Beans with Andouille and Cajun Spices?

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 Cooker Mardi Gras Red Beans with Andouille and Cajun Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Cooker Mardi Gras Red Beans with Andouille and Cajun Spices?

American mardi gras 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.

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