re: Red Beans?

Camellia.
Smash the beans, yes.
Sausage, I personally like them thinner.
I such a pot and skillet kinda guy, I can stand to put something in a slow cooker and walk away.

Gotta add a little red wine vinegar to put a little tang in there, and lessen the startchy taste.
Also a cup or two of tomato sauce does the same, plus gives it a prettier color.
And like mentioned earlier, chicken stock instead of water.