Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

Introduction

This hearty black beans and rice dish with smoked sausage is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. Combining spices, tender sausage, and fresh lime, it’s both simple to make and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage and set aside.
2. Step 2: Using the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder. Then add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes to bring out a nutty flavor.
4. Step 4: Add the black beans, chicken broth, and the browned sausage back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked sausage with your preferred spice level to adjust the heat of the dish.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with smoked tofu or omit it and add extra vegetables.
• Rinse the rice before cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky.
• Adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper can boost the flavor if you like extra spice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the rice.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly, usually about 40-45 minutes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish, cool it completely, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

A flavorful and hearty one-pot meal featuring smoky sausage, tender black beans, and perfectly cooked rice seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh cilantro. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnishes

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Add Spices and Rice: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder to the sautéed vegetables. Add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring, enhancing its nutty flavor.
4. Combine and Simmer: Add the drained black beans, chicken broth, and the browned sausage back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the broth.
5. Fluff and Finish: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with the chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the dish.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch option.
• Can be served with a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: black beans and rice, smoked sausage, one pot meal, hearty dinner, easy recipe