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Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

4.8 from 16 reviews

This Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe combines smoky sausage, tender black beans, and perfectly cooked rice infused with bold spices. A satisfying one-pot meal that’s flavorful, comforting, and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Oil

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

Grains and Legumes

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids and Garnish

  • 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. 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 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Add Spices and Rice: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder to coat the vegetables evenly. Add the uncooked rice and toast it by stirring for 1 to 2 minutes. This enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and prevents it from sticking.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the drained black beans, chicken broth, and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  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 chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.
  • Choose smoked sausage for the best flavor, but you can substitute with kielbasa or chorizo.
  • Adjust the chili powder amount based on your preferred spice level.
  • Rinsing the black beans helps reduce sodium and improve texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well.

Nutrition

Keywords: black beans and rice recipe, sausage and rice skillet, smoky sausage rice bowl, easy one-pot meals, hearty black beans