Black Beans and Rice with Sausage

Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Black Beans and Rice with Sausage. This hearty dish combines the earthy flavors of black beans, the smokiness of sausage, and the satisfying texture of rice, creating a meal that is not only delicious but also filling and nutritious. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Imagine sitting down to a warm bowl of black beans and rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. The blend of spices permeates every bite, while the combination of protein and fiber keeps you satisfied. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and why it deserves a spot on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of Black Beans and Rice with Sausage lies in its versatility and flavor profile. Here are some reasons this dish is a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just one skillet required, you’ll have a delicious meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from the sausage and fiber from the black beans, this dish provides a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices like cumin and smoked paprika, alongside the aromatic sautéed vegetables, creates a dish that is bursting with flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the sausage for a vegetarian alternative, or add extra vegetables for a nutrient boost. This recipe adapts to your dietary preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavors and appealing textures, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Serve it with lime wedges for an added zing that kids love!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that ticks all the boxes easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of flavor Black Beans and Rice with Sausage is the answer. Here’s why this dish is a game-changer:

• Affordability: All ingredients are typically inexpensive and can be found at your local grocery store. This means you can whip up a delightful meal without breaking the bank.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet minimizes cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the dread of doing dishes afterward.
• Leftover Friendly: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious the next day. Heat it up for lunch, and you’re good to go!
• Great for Entertaining: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish can easily be scaled up to serve a crowd. Just double the ingredients and let it simmer!
• Health Benefits: Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, contributing to heart health and digestive wellness, while the spices add additional health benefits.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before we get cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients and utensils you’ll need for this Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Recommended Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Can opener (for the black beans)

Now that we have everything we need, let’s jump into the cooking process!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these steps for a perfect Black Beans and Rice with Sausage dish:

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a beautiful depth of flavor to your dish. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. This will create a fragrant base for your dish. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavors.
4. Cook Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice with the vegetable and spice mixture. This ensures that each grain absorbs the delicious flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as it allows steam to escape.
6. Combine Ingredients: After the rice is cooked, stir in the black beans and the browned sausage. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish. Enjoy your flavorful creation!

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, Black Beans and Rice with Sausage is an easy, delicious, and nutritious meal that everyone will love. Its versatility makes it suitable for various dietary needs, and the flavor is simply unbeatable. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with friends who would also enjoy this delightful dish!

For more delicious recipes, check out Crispy Popcorn Chicken with Spicy Mayo Dip for a perfect appetizer!

Black Beans and Rice with Sausage

A hearty and flavorful dish featuring black beans, rice, and smoked sausage, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup Long-grain white rice
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) Black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 lb Smoked sausage or kielbasa sliced
• 1 Medium onion chopped
• 1 Bell pepper chopped (any color)
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
• Add the long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice with the vegetable and spice mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• After the rice is cooked, stir in the black beans and the browned sausage. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Notes

For added flavor, you can include diced tomatoes or corn. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference.

Keyword delicious, easy, one-pot, quick, sausage