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Featured image of flavorful Black Beans And Rice With Sausage, a hearty and delicious meal.

Easy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage

This hearty and flavorful Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe combines smoky sausage, earthy beans, and fluffy rice for a comforting and satisfying meal. It's a budget-friendly, one-pot dish perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper any color
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro
  • Optional toppings: sour cream
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese
  • Optional toppings: avocado

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • fork

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  6. Add the rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), rinsed rice, and chicken broth to the skillet.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. 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 through and the liquid is absorbed. Check occasionally to make sure the rice isn't sticking to the bottom of the pan and add a little more broth if needed.
  9. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
  10. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
  11. Top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a tablespoon of adobo sauce. For extra nutrients and flavor, add corn kernels, zucchini, or chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Substitute half of the chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. If rice is not cooking evenly, use the correct ratio of liquid to rice (usually 2:1), avoid lifting the lid too often while it's simmering, add a splash more broth and continue simmering until it's tender. For sausage substitutions, you can use any type of sausage you like, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage. For a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based sausage or simply omit the sausage altogether and add extra vegetables.