Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

If you have any ties to New Orleans, you probably already know the tradition of eating red beans and rice on Mondays. This centuries-old tradition—one of the great Louisiana recipes that my New Orleans family still cooks today—hails from the Haitian community, which brought over the dish in the 1700s. It became a Monday staple, taking the leftover ham bones from Sunday’s supper and simmering them with beans for hours.

This Instant Pot red beans and rice recipe has all the flavor of the traditional red beans and rice recipe, but takes much less time. You simply put the red beans, aromatics, seasonings and stock in the pressure cooker, set it to cook for about an hour, then come back to a deliciously tender pot of beans. No ham hock or bones are necessary for this recipe (unless you want to add some porky richness). It’s is a hearty, budget-friendly dish that easily feeds a crowd, and which can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

• Red beans: For this recipe, use dried red beans. Dried kidney beans work in a pinch, but avoid canned beans, since they’ll become too soft in the pressure cooker.
• Olive oil: You need a small amount of oil to saute the vegetables in the Instant Pot. Other cooking oils, like canola, avocado or vegetable oil, also work.
• Aromatics: This dish uses the Cajun holy trinity of green pepper, celery and onion, which serve as aromatics. Freshly minced garlic adds extra flavor and dimension.
• Tomato paste: The tomato paste caramelizes as it cooks and lends a deep umami base.
• Seasonings: Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, dried thyme and bay leaves all help bring these flavorful red beans and rice Instant Pot together.
• Chicken stock: The recipe calls for chicken stock, but you could substitute pork or veggie stock.
• Rice: Cook the rice separately and serve the beans over it. There are many ways to cook rice, but the stovetop is the most straightforward. If you have a rice cooker, use it!
• Hot pepper sauce: Louisana-style hot sauce is the most traditional for red beans and rice, but you can use any hot sauce to bring the heat.
• Green onions: Garnish your red beans and rice with thinly sliced green onions.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Set a 6- or 8-quart electric pressure cooker to saute. Add the oil, then stir in the onion, bell pepper and celery. Cook until they’re tender, about four to five minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper and thyme, and cook for one minute longer. Add the dried beans, stock, water and bay leaves.

Step 2: Cook the beans

Place the lid on the pressure cooker and set the toggle to sealing. Select manual high pressure for one hour. Once the cooking is complete, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for at least 15 minutes. Carefully set the toggle to vent and remove the lid. Discard the bay leaves.

Step 3: Serve

Serve the red beans and sauce over hot cooked rice, and garnish with hot sauce and thinly sliced green onions.

JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Variations

• Add meat: Red beans and rice often contain some type of meat, which makes the beans exceptionally flavorful. Pork is well-suited here, especially andouille sausage or ham hock, though ground beef is another option.
• Soak your beans: Many folks like to soak their dried beans before cooking them. Ideally, you’ll want to soak them overnight, though you can do a quick soak of 30 to 60 minutes in boiling water.

How to Store Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Store the red beans separately from the rice in the refrigerator. Allow both to cool, then store each in an airtight container for three to four days.

Can you freeze red beans and rice?

You can freeze red beans and rice together for individual meals later. Let the beans and rice cool completely before storing them in a freezer-safe container. They should last for up to three months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating them.

How do you reheat Instant Pot red beans and rice?

Reheat red beans and rice together on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Or reheat them in the microwave on high for a few minutes.

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Tips

Can you use canned beans for Instant Pot red beans and rice?

Never use canned beans for Instant Pot red beans and rice! Canned beans will fall apart during cooking, whereas dried beans will hold their shape but still cook up super tender.

What can you serve with Instant Pot red beans and rice?

Serve red beans and rice as a side dish or a main course. Either way, they go well with cornbread, collard greens, fried chicken recipes and other Southern staples.