SPICY SAUSAGE BLACK BEAN RICE

I’ll never forget the time I tried to impress my college roommates with a “fancy” dinner. I had grand ambitions, but a student budget and limited cooking skills meant my options were… well, limited. That’s when I stumbled upon a simple recipe combining pantry staples: black beans, rice, and a little bit of spicy sausage. It was a hit! Even better, it was incredibly budget-friendly and easy to make. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

Okay, friend, let’s dive into this amazing recipe! This isn’t just another bland rice dish; we’re talking about a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). I’m going to walk you through every step, so don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef. We’re in this together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Seriously, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
• Flavorful: We’re using a blend of spices and a good quality sausage to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add more vegetables, change up the sausage, or adjust the spice level.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash? Yes, please!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; you can always make substitutions based on what you have. Remember, cooking is all about being creative!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil you prefer)
• 1 pound sausage (I like to use Andouille or chorizo for a spicy kick, but Italian sausage works great too!)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color will do!)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (this adds a lovely smoky flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat!)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup long-grain rice (I prefer long-grain because it cooks up nicely and doesn’t get too sticky)
• 2 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth works too!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, here’s the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This will really wake up the flavors!
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained black beans and rice to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Don’t peek! Let the steam do its magic.
6. Return the Sausage: Stir the cooked sausage back into the rice and bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe every time. These are the secrets I’ve learned over the years that take this dish from good to AMAZING!

• Choose the Right Sausage: The type of sausage you use will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Andouille sausage will add a smoky, spicy kick, while chorizo will give it a more robust, slightly tangy flavor. Italian sausage is a milder option if you prefer less heat.
• Rinse the Black Beans: Rinsing the black beans removes excess starch and sodium, which can improve the flavor and texture of the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Overcooked rice is mushy and unpleasant. Make sure to follow the cooking time closely and avoid stirring the rice too much while it’s simmering.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the heat.
• Add Some Acidity: A squeeze of lime juice or a splash of vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors and add a nice zing.
• Make it Vegetarian: Easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Corn, zucchini, diced tomatoes, and spinach all work well in this dish. Add them to the skillet along with the onion and bell pepper.
• Use Different Beans: Kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans can be substituted for black beans.
• Try Different Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, or farro can be used instead of white rice. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, over the dish before serving.
• Make it a Bowl: Serve the Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage in a bowl with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce. This is especially yummy if you’re craving something similar to a TACO RICE BOWL!

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Salad: A simple green salad or a Southwestern-style salad with corn, black beans, and avocado.
• Cornbread: A classic pairing with beans and rice.
• Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Perfect for dipping and scooping.
• Guacamole: Adds a creamy, flavorful element.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a cool, tangy topping.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply cook the dish according to the instructions, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Speaking of make-ahead meals, if you love easy dinners, you might also enjoy my SOUTHWEST SKILLET! It’s another one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor.

Other Rice Dishes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a rice lover like me, you’re always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy this versatile grain. Here are a few more of my favorite rice dishes that I think you’ll love:

Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and resulting in a creamy, flavorful dish that the whole family will enjoy. Just throw everything into a baking dish and let the oven do the work!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

For another comforting casserole option, try my Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s a classic for a reason! This dish features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce that will warm you from the inside out.

Although this recipe focuses on the black bean and rice combination, if you’re looking for a dish with a bit more “kick,” my Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is another great option to consider. It showcases the amazing flavors of spice, but with a pasta base.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! My go-to recipe for Spicy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage. I truly hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this dish as much as I do. It’s a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your liking. And remember, cooking is all about having fun! Happy cooking, my friend, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! You’re going to absolutely nail this recipe, and your family and friends will be begging for more!

Spicy Sausage Black Bean Rice

This Spicy Sausage Black Bean Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring a blend of spices, savory sausage, and hearty black beans, this dish is both budget-friendly and satisfying. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Southwestern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound spicy sausage Andouille, chorizo, or Italian
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped any color
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• spoon or spatula
• Can opener

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the rinsed and drained black beans and rice to the skillet. Stir to combine.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
9. Stir the cooked sausage back into the rice and bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges.

Notes

For best results, choose a high-quality sausage that complements the other flavors. Rinsing the black beans helps reduce excess starch and sodium. To adjust the spice level, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.