There’s something about black beans and rice with sausage that just feels like a warm hug on a plate, don’t you think? This hearty dish is one of my absolute favorites because it hits all the right notes—savory, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying! I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my home!
Ingredients for Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
- 1 cup black beans, soaked overnight
- 1 cup rice
- 1 pound sausage, sliced (I love using smoked sausage for that extra flavor!)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade is best, but store-bought works too!)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious black beans and rice with sausage! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how all the flavors come together. First things first, rinse and drain those soaked black beans. This helps get rid of any excess starch and gives them a cleaner taste. Next, heat up a big pot over medium heat and add your sliced sausage. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned—around 5-7 minutes should do the trick. Once browned, take the sausage out and set it aside, leaving those tasty drippings in the pot.
In the same pot, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Now, it’s time to add the rinsed black beans, rice, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all that savory goodness. Finally, stir in the sausage and let it cook for another 5 minutes. And just like that, you’re ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse and drain the soaked black beans.
- In a large pot, cook the sliced sausage over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pot for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Add the rinsed black beans, rice, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
- Stir in the sausage and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that?
- Packed with protein from the sausage and fiber from the black beans, it’s a nourishing meal.
- Flavorful spices like cumin and paprika create a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Ready in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile! Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Tips for Success
To make your black beans and rice with sausage truly shine, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, don’t skip soaking the black beans overnight—it makes them cook more evenly. If you’re in a rush, canned beans can work too, just rinse and drain them before adding. Adjust the spices to your taste; if you love heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños can really kick it up a notch! Also, feel free to swap out the sausage for chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Lastly, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to meld those flavors beautifully. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Variations of Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
Let’s get creative with this black beans and rice with sausage! You can mix it up by adding different proteins like shredded chicken or diced ham for a twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh pop of flavor. Want some heat? Toss in some diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, consider adding some chipotle powder or smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. And if you love veggies, bell peppers, and corn make fantastic additions that brighten up the dish. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this black beans and rice with sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick option; just add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the numbers aren’t set in stone. Typically, you can expect around 450 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 50g of carbs per serving. Always double-check if exact nutrition is important to you!
FAQ About Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned black beans are a great shortcut. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the pot to get rid of any excess sodium.
What type of sausage works best? I love using smoked sausage for that extra depth of flavor, but any sausage you enjoy will work. You could also try turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Can I add more vegetables? Yes! Feel free to throw in bell peppers, corn, or spinach. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic for a hearty boost.
How spicy is this dish? It’s not too spicy on its own, but you can easily add heat with diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you like it hot!
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, it is! Just double-check your sausage packaging to ensure it’s gluten-free. Enjoy!
For more information on the health benefits of black beans, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of rice, visit this study.
Print
Black Beans and Rice with Sausage: 7 Steps to Comforting Yum
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty dish combining black beans, rice, and sausage for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans, soaked overnight
- 1 cup rice
- 1 pound sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and drain soaked black beans.
- In a pot, cook sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same pot until soft.
- Add black beans, rice, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Stir in sausage and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Can be served with avocado or cilantro on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: black beans and rice with sausage
