Red Beans and Rice — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Good dried red beans and a real smoked ham hock do the work here; canned beans never break down into that signature creamy pot liquor. To thicken the gravy without any flour, scoop out some of the softened beans, mash them against the side of the pot, and stir them back in.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 6 servings

Dried red beans

Small red beans hold their shape while some break down; soak overnight for even cooking.

1 lb

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Andouille sausage

A real smoked andouille brings the pepper and smoke that define the pot.

1 lb

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Smoked ham hock

The hock seasons the whole pot with smoke and adds body from its collagen.

1 large

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White rice

Plain long-grain rice is the bed; cook it separately so the grains stay distinct.

3 cups cooked

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Creole seasoning and bay

Creole spice and a couple bay leaves layer flavor over the long simmer.

1 tbsp plus 2 leaves

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Onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic

The trinity plus garlic starts the pot; dice medium so it holds up over hours.

3 cups total

Onion → Garlic →

The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge

A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time

EffortA project

Cook it with

Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot

The Method

Soak the beansCover the beans with water by 2 inches and soak overnight, then drain.
Brown the sausageSlice and brown the andouille in the pot, then lift it out and sweat the trinity and garlic in the drippings 8 minutes.
SimmerAdd the beans, ham hock, bay, Creole seasoning, and water to cover by 2 inches; simmer partly covered 2 to 2.5 hours until soft.
ThickenMash about a cup of beans against the side of the pot and stir back in, then return the sausage and simmer 20 minutes more.
ServePull the meat off the hock and stir it in, season with salt and hot sauce, and spoon over rice.

The Toolkit

Large Dutch oven · Wooden spoon · Rice cooker · Ladle

Straight Answers

Can you make Red Beans and Rice in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Red Beans and Rice? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Red Beans and Rice ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Red Beans and Rice gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Red Beans and Rice vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.349

Red Beans and Rice, and where to source it