Easy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
This recipe combines savory sausage, earthy black beans, and fluffy rice into a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal. It's quick, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Colander or strainer
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil for lean sausage
- Optional: Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: Diced avocado, for garnish
- Optional: Sour cream, for garnish
- Optional: Salsa, for garnish
- Optional: Shredded cheese, for garnish
- Optional: Hot sauce, for garnish
- Optional: Lime wedges, for garnish
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 chopped bell pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- If your sausage is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the rinsed and drained black beans, uncooked rice, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the Black Beans And Rice With Sausage with a fork and serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Rinsing the black beans removes excess starch and sodium. You can substitute the smoked sausage with Italian sausage, chorizo, or chicken sausage. Other bean alternatives include pinto beans, kidney beans, or great northern beans. Brown rice can be used instead of long-grain rice, but will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or skillet.