Red Beans and Kielbasa Over Rice
2.5 HOURS | NOT TOO TRICKY | SERVES 4–6
There’s something magical about a big pot of red beans simmering away on the stove, isn’t there? It’s the kind of slow, simple comfort food that fills the whole house with warmth … the kind of smell that has Lou wandering into the kitchen asking, “Is that for dinner?”
This red beans and kielbasa over rice is my New England-meets-Louisiana mash-up – a little smoky, a little sweet, and a whole lot of cozy bowl-of-comfort goodness. The veggies soften down, the kielbasa browns beautifully, and the red beans simmer until they’re creamy and luscious. And served over fluffy Instant Pot rice? Forget it. Heaven in a bowl.
And the best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for a Sunday.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Red Beans & Kielbasa
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Big, cozy, stick-to-your-ribs flavor
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Budget-friendly and super filling
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Kielbasa adds smoky richness without fuss
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Comes together mostly in one pot
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Thickens beautifully with mashed beans (more on that below!)
Ingredients
Nutrition per serving: 640 calories, 27g protein, 89g carbs, 4g fat, 11g sugar
Bean & Kielbasa Pot
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 ribs celery, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 pound kielbasa, cut into 1/4-inch slices
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2 teaspoons paprika
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1 teaspoon brown sugar
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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3 cans red beans, drained and rinsed
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3 cups chicken stock
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2 bay leaves
Rice (Instant Pot)
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2 cups long-grain rice
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2 cups water
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Pinch of salt
How to Make Red Beans & Kielbasa Over Rice
1. Sauté the aromatics.
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a medium pot or saucepan. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until everything is soft and fragrant.
2. Add the kielbasa + seasonings.
Stir in the sliced kielbasa, paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the kielbasa brown lightly – about 5 minutes – so the flavors wake up.
3. Simmer to perfection.
Pour in the red beans, chicken stock, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away uncovered on low for 30 minutes. The broth will deepen, the kielbasa will get even cozier, and the whole pot becomes pure comfort.
4. Make the rice.
While the beans simmer, add water, rice, and a pinch of salt to your Instant Pot.
Close the lid, seal the valve, and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
Let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Fluff your rice with a fork – perfection every time.
5. Serve!
Spoon a generous amount of the beans and kielbasa over the rice. This dish only gets better as it sits, so don’t be shy about leftovers!
How to Thicken Your Beans (Optional — but SO Good!)
If you like your red beans extra thick and creamy, here’s the trick:
Use the back of a spoon and mash some of the red beans right in the pot.
Just 1–2 minutes of gentle mashing transforms the broth into a silky, stew-like consistency. It’s a little Southern secret that makes the whole dish feel richer without adding cream or roux.
Closing Thoughts
This red beans and kielbasa over rice is one of those meals that makes everyone breathe a little deeper at the dinner table. It’s warm and homey and absolutely delicious – the kind of “simple food done right” that I just love to share on my blog. Whether you’re making it on a cozy Sunday or on a busy weeknight with a house full of hungry people, this dish brings everyone together with one big comforting bowl.
