Print

Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

5.1 from 9 reviews

This Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe is a flavorful, one-pot meal combining smoky sausage, tender black beans, and fragrant spices, perfect for an easy yet satisfying dinner. The dish balances a mix of textures and bold seasonings with fresh cilantro and lime for a bright finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

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
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Add Spices and Rice: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder until the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices. Then, add uncooked long-grain white rice and toast it by stirring for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out its nutty aroma and flavor.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the drained and rinsed black beans along with 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the broth.
  5. Fluff and Finish: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork gently to mix in the sausage and beans evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges to add a burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or increase the chili powder.
  • Use smoked turkey sausage as a leaner alternative to pork sausage.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, substitute sausage with smoked tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Rinsing the black beans reduces sodium content and improves texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: black beans and rice, smoked sausage recipe, hearty one pot meal, easy dinner, Cajun style rice, sausage and beans, comfort food