Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe
This Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe is a flavorful and satisfying one-pot meal combining smoky sausage, tender black beans, and aromatic spices. Easy to prepare, it offers a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, it delivers a delightful balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Latin-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Protein and Vegetables
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Grains
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
Liquids and Garnishes
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- 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 the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add Spices and Rice: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder to the sautéed vegetables. Then add the uncooked rice and toast it by stirring for 1–2 minutes to develop a nutty flavor.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the drained black beans, low sodium chicken broth, and the browned sausage back into the pot. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- Fluff and Finish: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then garnish with the chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over each portion to add a fresh, zesty flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño with the spices.
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
- To make this gluten-free, ensure the sausage and broth are gluten-free certified.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: black beans and rice, sausage rice recipe, one-pot meals, easy dinner, sautéed sausage, Mexican-inspired rice, hearty comfort food