You know those nights? The ones where the clock is ticking, everyone’s starving, and the thought of a complicated meal is just… nope. Those are my absolute favorite nights to whip up my Black Beans and Rice Sausage. Seriously, this dish is my weeknight hero! It’s just ridiculously simple but packs such a serious flavor punch. I remember the first time I made it during a crazy busy week – I was skeptical if it could really hit the spot with minimal effort, but wow, was I wrong! It’s become a staple for a reason, always coming through with a hearty, satisfying meal in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Black Beans and Rice Sausage Recipe
This Black Beans and Rice Sausage dish is a total game-changer for busy evenings. You’re going to love it because:
- It’s ridiculously quick to make – perfect for when you’re short on time!
- Everything cooks up in just one pan, meaning way less cleanup. Yay!
- The flavor is amazing – that smoky sausage with savory beans and rice is just *chef’s kiss*.
- It’s super versatile; you can easily switch up the veggies or spices.
- It’s a hearty meal that’ll definitely fill everyone up.
Gather Your Ingredients for Black Beans and Rice Sausage
Alright, let’s get cooking! You really don’t need a ton of fancy stuff for this magic to happen. The key is using good quality ingredients, especially that sausage – trust me, it makes a difference! Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (just enough to get things sizzling!)
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into nice bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – think small dice so it cooks down nicely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic is life, right?
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – make sure you rinse ‘em well!
- 1 cup cooked white rice – leftover rice works perfectly!
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – for that little bit of liquid and flavor boost.
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin – a little goes a long way for that earthy taste
- Salt and pepper to taste – this is where you can really personalize it; don’t be shy with the salt if your sausage isn’t super salty!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Black Beans and Rice Sausage
Alright, let’s dive into making this amazing dish! It’s so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every night of the week. Grab your favorite skillet, maybe one that’s similar to this ground beef and zucchini skillet, and let’s get this party started!
Browning the Sausage
First things first, we gotta get that sausage looking and tasting delicious. Pop your skillet over medium heat, add that splash of olive oil, and toss in your sliced sausage. We want it to get nice and browned on all sides – that’s where all the smoky, savory flavor really comes from! Don’t overcrowd the pan; give it a few minutes per side. Once it’s looking golden and gorgeous, scoop it out and set it aside. Trust me, that little bit of browning makes all the difference!
Sautéing Aromatics for Black Beans and Rice Sausage
Now, into that same skillet (no need to wash it, all those little bits left behind from the sausage are pure gold!), toss in your chopped onion. Let it cook and soften up for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. Then, add in your minced garlic. Garlic burns super fast, so we only want to cook it for about a minute until it smells amazing. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely incredible!
Combining Ingredients and Simmering
Okay, time to bring it all together! Dump in your rinsed black beans, the cooked rice, that splash of chicken broth, and the cumin. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Now, bring back that beautifully browned sausage to the skillet. Stir it all up, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to really meld together and makes sure everything is heated through perfectly. When it’s done, give it a taste and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Easy peasy!
Tips for the Perfect Black Beans and Rice Sausage
You know, making this Black Beans and Rice Sausage dish is pretty forgiving, but a few little tricks can really take it from good to *spectacular*. I’ve learned a few things over the years, like how important it is to get a good sear on that sausage – it really unlocks so much flavor! If you can, grab a smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa; they’re already packed with seasoning and give the whole dish a fantastic depth. And don’t be afraid to play with your rice! Using leftover rice is a lifesaver, but if you’re cooking it fresh, make sure it’s not mushy. Fluffy, separate grains really make a difference in the final texture. You can even get creative with spices – a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add a fun twist! It’s all about making it your own, just like how I love to jazz up potatoes or create a simple taco rice bowl.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Okay, so this Black Beans and Rice Sausage is already pretty darn delicious on its own, but you know me, I love to play around! If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try tossing in some diced bell peppers (any color!) with the onions, or maybe a handful of corn kernels near the end. Both add a nice bit of sweetness and color. And don’t stop at just sausage! Could you imagine this with some shredded chicken or even chorizo? So good! For serving, it’s fantastic just as it is, maybe with a dollop of sour cream or some fresh cilantro. But honestly, it makes an amazing filling for burritos or tacos, especially if you add a little extra spice. It’s a great base, just like these Greek chicken bowls or even this chickpea peach salad can be customized. So many yummy possibilities!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Black Beans and Rice Sausage is fantastic the next day. Just pop the cooled leftovers into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready for more, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick meal. Be sure to stir it halfway through microwaving to ensure it heats evenly!
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Beans and Rice Sausage
Got questions about this amazing Black Beans and Rice Sausage? I’ve got you covered! It’s super forgiving, but knowing a few things can make it even better.
Can I use other kinds of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage is my go-to because of its built-in flavor, feel free to experiment. Italian sausage (sweet or hot) works wonderfully, just be mindful of any added salt. Chorizo would add a nice spicy kick, too! For a lighter option, chicken or turkey sausage can work, but you might want to boost the seasonings a bit to compensate for the less intense smoky flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Generally, yes! Most smoked sausages are gluten-free, and rice is naturally gluten-free. The chicken broth and spices are usually fine too. Just double-check your sausage and broth labels to be sure, especially if you’re dealing with a gluten sensitivity. It’s as simple as grabbing a certified gluten-free sausage if needed!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! This Black Beans and Rice Sausage dish is great for meal prep. You can cook the whole thing and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It holds up really well, which is why it’s a lifesaver on busy nights, just like these keto spinach wraps are perfect for on-the-go.
What if I don’t have cooked rice?
No worries! If you don’t have leftover rice, just whip up a batch before you start. White rice usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook. Follow the package directions, and then add it in step 5 of the recipe. Just make sure it’s not super sticky or wet, as that can make the final dish a bit mushy. Fluffy, separate grains are best!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on the specific ingredients you use, like the type of sausage or even how much salt you add. For detailed info, you can always check out our nutrition disclaimer!
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
Share Your Black Beans and Rice Sausage Creations!
Alright, now that you’ve made my favorite Black Beans and Rice Sausage, I’d just LOVE to hear all about it! Did you try any fun variations? Did your family devour it as fast as mine does? Drop a comment below and let me know what you thought, or even rate the recipe! You can also find more easy recipes and connect with me over on social media – I’d love to see your creations!
For more recipes follow me on PINTEREST
Print
Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful dish featuring black beans, rice, and sausage.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in black beans, cooked rice, chicken broth, and cumin.
- Return sausage to the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Serve hot.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: black beans, rice, sausage, easy dinner, one-pan meal