(Crockpot) Red Beans and Rice

(Crockpot) Red Beans and Rice

1 lb. dried small red beans, soaked overnight or use the quick-cook method
8 strips bacon, chopped
2 lbs. of sausage cut into 1 inch slices (I used 1 package andouille and 1 package of kielbasa)
1 large onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 (4 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 tsp kosher salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp Worstershire sauce
1 Tbsp hot sauce
Additional hot sauce, for serving
Cooked rice, for serving
chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Cook bacon in a large frying pan, drain on paper towels and set aside. Add sausage to rendered bacon fat and cook until browned. Remove and place in crockpot.

Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until veggies are starting to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for an additional minute. Add the tomato paste and mash into the veggies to combine, letting cook in the skillet until starting to brown – about 5 minutes.

Carefully add the water and combine with tomato paste, scraping the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits that have accumulated. Pour mixture into slow cooker.

Add the beans, bacon, chicken broth, bay leaves, salt, pepper, Worstershire, and hot sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beans are soft and starting to break down.

Serve over rice. Garnish with green onions and serve with additional hot sauce, if desired.

Source: adapted from My Biscuits are Burning