Easy Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Stew Recipe That Warms Hearts

Hearty Southern comfort flows through this classic andouille sausage and red bean stew recipe that warms souls and satisfies deep hunger.

Spicy andouille sausage brings robust flavor and depth to every steaming spoonful.

New Orleans culinary traditions dance within each bite of this rich, rustic dish.

Smoky sausage links mingle with creamy red beans, creating a symphony of Creole-inspired taste.

Fragrant herbs and bold spices elevate this stew from simple meal to culinary experience.

Louisiana’s kitchen magic comes alive in this one-pot wonder that feeds both body and spirit.

Why Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Stew Stands Out

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Rich, warming stew packed with robust flavors that hug your taste buds and provide ultimate satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing adjustments for spice levels, vegetable preferences, and protein variations to match personal tastes.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Affordable ingredients like beans and sausage create a filling dish that stretches to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.
• Nutrient-Dense Powerhouse: Protein-rich sausage combined with fiber-packed beans delivers a nutritionally balanced meal supporting healthy eating goals.

Ingredients for Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Stew

• Red Beans: A hearty legume that provides rich texture and protein to the stew.
• Andouille Sausage: A spicy, smoky Cajun-style sausage that adds depth and robust flavor to the dish.

• Onions, Celery, Bell Peppers: A classic Cajun holy trinity that creates a flavorful base for the stew.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic element to enhance the overall taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne, Paprika, Oregano, Thyme: A blend of spices that provides warmth, complexity, and a slight kick to the stew.
• Bay Leaves: Contribute a subtle, earthy background flavor during cooking.
• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add brightness and a final layer of freshness to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a rich base for sautéing vegetables and developing flavors.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture and additional depth to the stew.

How to Make Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Stew

Step 1: Prepare Red Beans

Soak the red beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften them and reduce cooking time.

Drain and rinse the beans before using.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Slice the andouille sausage and cook until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.

Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving behind flavorful drippings.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Butter
• Onions
• Celery
• Bell peppers
• Garlic

Melt butter in the same pot.

Sauté onions until they become translucent, then add celery and bell peppers.

Cook until the vegetables start to soften.

Quickly stir in minced garlic and cook for a brief moment to release its fragrant oils.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Salt
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper

Toast the spices for about a minute to intensify their flavors and create a robust foundation for the stew.

Step 5: Create the Stew Liquid

Pour in vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

This adds deep, caramelized flavor to the dish.

Add the soaked beans and previously browned sausage.

Toss in bay leaves for additional depth.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.

Let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans become tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Thicken and Finish

Remove the bay leaves.

Mash a cup of beans and stir back into the stew to create a creamy texture.

Adjust the consistency with water if needed.

Taste and fine-tune the seasoning.

Step 8: Final Touch

• Parsley
• Green onions

Cook for a final 5 minutes to let the herbs infuse their bright flavors.

Serve the stew piping hot over fluffy rice for a comforting, soul-warming meal.

Tips for Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Stew

• Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring a creamy, perfectly soft texture.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference; start with less and gradually increase for personalized spice levels.
• Choose high-quality andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor, or swap with smoked sausage for a milder taste profile.
• Mashing some beans creates a rich, hearty consistency without using additional thickeners or flour.
• Serve over long-grain white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious stew juices and complete the meal.

Flavor Variations for Andouille Sausage Stew

• Vegetarian Bean Stew: Replace andouille sausage with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Spicy Cajun Variation: Increase cayenne pepper and add diced jalapeños for extra heat, incorporating additional Cajun seasoning for a more intense Louisiana-style experience.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and seasonings, and serve over gluten-free rice or quinoa for celiac-friendly dining.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium vegetable broth, reduce added salt, and rely on herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, and paprika to enhance overall taste without excessive sodium.

Serving Ideas for Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Stew

• Southern Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty stew over fluffy white rice for a classic Louisiana-style meal that warms your soul and satisfies hunger.
• Cajun Garnish Delight: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and a dash of hot sauce on top to enhance flavor and add vibrant color.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside crusty French bread or cornbread to soak up the rich, savory stew and capture every delicious drop.
• Wine Companion Choice: Match this robust stew with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the spicy andouille sausage.

How to Store Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Stew

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the stew is cooled completely before sealing.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What makes Andouille sausage special in this stew?

Andouille sausage is a spicy, smoky Cajun-style sausage that adds rich flavor and heat to the stew, giving it a distinctive Louisiana-inspired taste.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs for the same flavor intensity.

• Is this stew gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your sausage and broth labels to ensure they don’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

• How can I make this stew more protein-rich?

You can add additional protein by including cooked chicken, shrimp, or extra beans to increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 14 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Louisiana’s hearty Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Stew delivers a spicy symphony of Cajun comfort. Rich flavors meld together, inviting you to savor a soulful culinary journey through New Orleans’ rustic kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound dry red beans
• 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage (cut into 1/4-inch slices)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 2 celery ribs (diced)
• 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne red pepper
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 6 to 7 cups low sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onions (plus more for garnish)
• 1 1/2 cups long grain brown rice or white rice (cooked)

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Instructions

1. Immerse red beans in cold water overnight, allowing them to soften and absorb moisture for 8-12 hours.
2. Preheat Dutch oven to medium heat and sear andouille sausage until caramelized edges form, creating rich flavor. Transfer sausage to a separate plate.
3. Reduce heat and melt butter, introducing diced onions and sautéing until translucent. Incorporate chopped celery and bell peppers, cooking until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
4. Quickly introduce minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release its pungent notes.
5. Sprinkle dried herbs and spices, toasting them briefly to enhance their complex flavor profile.
6. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, deglazing and lifting any caramelized remnants from the bottom of the pan.
7. Drain and rinse soaked beans, then add them to the pot alongside reserved sausage and bay leaves. Bring mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
8. Cover and allow stew to cook at low temperature for 90-120 minutes, ensuring beans become tender and flavors meld harmoniously.
9. Extract bay leaves and partially mash one cup of beans to create a thicker, more luxurious texture.
10. Adjust consistency with additional liquid if needed, and season with final salt and pepper touches.
11. Finish by folding in fresh parsley and green onions, allowing herbs to release their vibrant aromatics.
12. Serve steaming hot over fluffy rice, creating a satisfying and robust meal.

Notes

• Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility, breaking down complex sugars that cause gas.
• Choose andouille sausage with varying spice levels to customize heat intensity for different taste preferences.
• Swap vegetable broth with chicken or seafood stock to create deeper flavor profiles and accommodate dietary needs.
• Mashing some beans creates natural thickening without using flour, making the stew gluten-free and adding creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 12 hours
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 346 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg