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Spicy Cajun Red Bean Dish

This hearty dish is packed with bold flavors and a spicy kick that will warm you up from the inside out. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something comforting and full of zest.

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TIME7 hr 30 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans 3 tablespoons bacon grease ¼ cup chopped salt pork 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion ¾ cup chopped celery ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 pinch chipotle chile powder ½ pound smoked sausage, split in half and cut into 1-inch pieces 3 bay leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 3 tablespoons chopped garlic water as needed

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by putting the pinto beans in a large bowl and cover them with a few inches of cool water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes, then drain and rinse well.

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Step 2

Next, heat some bacon grease in a big pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the salt pork and cook it for about a minute, stirring as it browns. Add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, black pepper, and chipotle powder to the pot. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are nice and soft—around 4 minutes.

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Step 3

Now, stir in the smoked sausage, bay leaves, parsley, and thyme. Keep cooking and stirring until the sausage is nicely browned, which should take about 4 minutes. Add the garlic last and cook it just until you can smell that wonderful aroma, about a minute more.

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Step 4

Pour the beans into the pot with the sausage mixture and add enough water to just cover everything. Bring it to a boil, then take the pot off the heat and transfer the whole mixture into your slow cooker.

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Step 5

Set the slow cooker to High and cook for an hour. After that, turn it down to Low and let it go for about 6 more hours, checking occasionally and adding a bit more water if it looks dry.

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Step 6

Once the beans are tender, use the back of a heavy spoon to mash about a quarter of them against the side of the slow cooker. This will give the dish a nice creamy texture. Let it cook on Low for another 15 to 20 minutes or so until everything is thick and creamy.

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Step 7

Finally, fish out the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use dried beans soaked overnight for a creamier texture, or canned beans for a quicker option.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- Let the dish simmer gently to allow the flavors to blend well.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is full of bold flavors that wake up your taste buds. The combination of spices and creamy beans creates a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s both hearty and easy to make, perfect for any day of the week.

Serving ideas

Serve with steamed white rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad pairs nicely and balances the spices. Add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.