Ingredients
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. I promise, most of these are pantry staples!
For the Black Beans and Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite!)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Hot sauce
- Avocado slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step.-
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender. I always say, a good base makes a great dish!
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Brown the Sausage:
Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. This step adds so much flavor – don’t skip it! If you’re looking for a different way to enjoy sausage, be sure to check out Sheet Pan Sausage.
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Combine and Simmer:
Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice!), uncooked rice, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Check it periodically to make sure it isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pot. If it seems dry, add a little more broth.
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Fluff and Serve:
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become perfectly fluffy. Fluff the Black Beans And Rice With Sausage with a fork and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, hot sauce, or avocado slices. For a spicy twist, you might enjoy this dish’s cousin, Spicy Sausage Black Bean Rice!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Black Beans and Rice
Let’s talk pro tips! These little nuggets of wisdom will take your Black Beans And Rice With Sausage from good to absolutely amazing.-
Rice Matters:
I highly recommend using long-grain rice for this recipe. It cooks evenly and doesn’t get mushy. If you’re in a pinch, medium-grain rice will work, but avoid short-grain rice (like sushi rice), which will become too sticky. If you have leftover cooked rice, you can use that too, just add it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.
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Spice It Up (or Down):
Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
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Broth is Best:
I prefer using chicken broth for its richer flavor, but vegetable broth works just as well. You can even use water in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as robust.
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Sausage Selection:
The type of sausage you use will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Kielbasa is a classic choice, but andouille sausage adds a smoky, spicy kick. You can also use chorizo for a more pronounced flavor. Get creative and experiment!
Variations: Make It Your Own!
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to customize it to suit your tastes and what you have on hand.-
Vegetarian Version:
Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. You can also add a can of diced green chilies for extra flavor.
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One-Pot Wonder:
To make this truly a one-pot meal, you can cook the rice right in the same pot. Just make sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly. You might like Stick Of Butter Chicken Rice if you want another easy one-pot meal!
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Slow Cooker Option:
This recipe also works great in a slow cooker! Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, stir well, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. No need to brown the sausage beforehand.
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Black Bean Soup Variation:
Want a soup instead? Add more broth! You can even blend some of the soup to make it creamier. This would be delicious with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.
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Taco Seasoning Twist:
If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try using taco seasoning instead of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. It’ll give your Taco Rice Bowl a run for its money!
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
Black Beans And Rice With Sausage is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round it out:-
Side Salad:
A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the rice and sausage. Consider a side of Southwest Skillet to balance it out.
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Cornbread:
Warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to Black Beans And Rice With Sausage. Its slightly sweet flavor complements the savory dish beautifully.
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Guacamole and Chips:
For a casual gathering, serve Black Beans And Rice With Sausage with guacamole and tortilla chips. It’s a fun and festive way to enjoy this delicious dish.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Black Beans And Rice With Sausage is great for meal prepping!-
Make Ahead:
You can prepare the Black Beans And Rice With Sausage up to 2 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Freezing:
To freeze, let the Black Beans And Rice With Sausage cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and date the containers, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if needed to restore moisture. It’s much better than a Forgotten Chicken And Rice Casserole… Trust me!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.- Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
What type of rice is best to use for this recipe?
Long-grain rice is highly recommended because it cooks evenly and doesn’t get mushy. Medium-grain can work in a pinch, but avoid short-grain rice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and add extra vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. You can also add a can of diced green chilies for extra flavor.
How far in advance can I prepare this Black Beans and Rice With Sausage dish?
You can prepare the dish up to 2 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
What are some good garnish options for this recipe?
The recipe suggests chopped cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, hot sauce, or avocado slices.
Easy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice!), uncooked rice, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Check it periodically to make sure it isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pot. If it seems dry, add a little more broth.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot 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.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, hot sauce, or avocado slices.
