Spicy Red Beans and Andouille Sausage Stew

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

A hearty Louisiana-inspired stew featuring tender red beans simmered with smoky andouille sausage and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This Southern-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 140 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 350 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: 120 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 1 cup soaked red kidney beans and set aside. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 12 oz sliced andouille sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced medium green bell pepper to the pot, sautéing for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf, cooking for 1 minute to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained beans and 4 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are tender and the stew has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot with optional hot sauce for extra heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Red Beans and Andouille Sausage Stew take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Spicy Red Beans and Andouille Sausage Stew?

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 Spicy Red Beans and Andouille Sausage Stew?

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 Spicy Red Beans and Andouille Sausage Stew 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 Spicy Red Beans and Andouille Sausage Stew?

Southern soups 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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