Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
