SPICY SAUSAGE RICE BOWL

Craving something with a kick that’s also comforting and filling? Forget boring weeknight dinners! We’re diving headfirst into a bowl of pure deliciousness: Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to whip up and will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s make this dish an absolute winner!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create your own amazing Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage:

For the Spicy Black Beans:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sausage and Rice:

• 1 pound smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown, your choice!)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Hot sauce
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step to a Flavor Fiesta

Let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this recipe is super straightforward. I’ll walk you through every step.

Making the Spicy Black Beans:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped green and red bell peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasonings – they really make this dish sing!

Cooking the Sausage and Assembling:

1. While the black beans are simmering, cook the sliced sausage in a separate skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. If your sausage is particularly fatty, you might want to drain off some of the excess grease.
2. Now, it’s time to assemble your bowl! Spoon a generous serving of cooked rice into a bowl.
3. Top with the spicy black beans and the cooked sausage.
4. Add your favorite toppings, like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and a dash of hot sauce. A squeeze of lime juice is also fantastic!

Spice It Up (or Down!) The Flavor is All Yours

One of the best things about this Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe is how customizable it is. Want more heat? Add more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the cayenne or omit it altogether. You can also adjust the other spices to your liking. The key is to taste and adjust as you go until it’s perfect for *your* palate.

Sausage Selection: Finding Your Perfect Match

The type of sausage you choose can really change the character of this dish. I personally love using kielbasa or andouille sausage because they both offer a nice smoky flavor and a bit of a kick. But you can also use chorizo, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based sausage alternative. Just make sure it’s a sausage that you enjoy the taste of!

Rice is Nice: Choosing Your Base

While I often use white rice because it’s quick and easy, brown rice is a great option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. You can also use quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. The rice acts as a blank canvas for the spicy black beans and sausage, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Prep Like a Pro: Saving Time in the Kitchen

Want to make this Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage even faster to prepare? Here are a few tips for prepping ahead:

• Chop the onion and bell peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
• Cook the rice in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• You can even make the entire black bean mixture ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

Leftovers? Yes, Please!

This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the black bean mixture for longer storage.

Level Up Your Bowl: Creative Topping Ideas

Toppings are where you can really let your creativity shine! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures. Here are a few of my favorite topping ideas:

• Crumbled tortilla chips for added crunch
• Pickled onions for a tangy kick
• Roasted corn for a touch of sweetness
• A fried egg for added protein
• A dollop of guacamole

Don’t Forget the Sides!

While this Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage is delicious on its own, it’s also great served with a simple side salad or some grilled corn on the cob. You could even make some cornbread to soak up all those delicious juices!

Variations on a Theme: Exploring Similar Flavors

If you’re in the mood for something similar but slightly different, you might enjoy a SOUTHWEST SKILLET, which also features similar flavors and ingredients. Or, for a cozy soup option, consider the SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP, which is hearty and satisfying. If you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, SPICY SAUSAGE CHEESE DIP is always a crowd-pleaser. On the healthier side you can try KIELBASA BROCCOLI SKILLET. Alternatively, SAUSAGE POTATO CASSEROLE is great to serve to a big crowd, or if you just need a good old bowl of goodness, try TACO BOWL. There’s so much to explore!

Troubleshooting Time: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Beans are too dry: Add more vegetable broth or water.
• Beans are too watery: Simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the sauce to thicken.
• Not spicy enough: Add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Too spicy: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool it down.

Your New Go-To Meal: Get Ready to Impress

So there you have it! A complete guide to making delicious and satisfying Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something flavorful and comforting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Spicy Sausage Rice Bowl with Black Beans

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Spicy Sausage Rice Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Featuring spicy black beans, savory sausage, and fluffy rice, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings and spice level.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Medium skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Can opener
• Mixing spoon
• Bowls for serving

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more, to taste!
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille
• 2 cups cooked rice white or brown, your choice!
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt optional
• Shredded cheddar cheese optional
• Diced avocado optional
• Chopped cilantro optional
• Hot sauce optional
• Lime wedges optional

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Add the chopped green and red bell peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• While the black beans are simmering, cook the sliced sausage in a separate skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. If your sausage is particularly fatty, drain off some of the excess grease.
• Spoon a generous serving of cooked rice into a bowl.
• Top with the spicy black beans and the cooked sausage.
• Add your favorite toppings, like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and a dash of hot sauce. A squeeze of lime juice is also fantastic!
• Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. To freeze the black bean mixture, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. Adding a pinch of sugar can balance the spice if it’s too intense.