When you’re craving something hearty and delicious but don’t have a ton of time, this Black Beans and Rice Sausage dish is an absolute lifesaver! Seriously, it’s one of those meals that just hits the spot every single time. My kitchen often feels like a whirlwind, and finding recipes that are both quick to make and genuinely satisfying is my jam. This one is a personal favorite for exactly those reasons – simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and a whole lot of flavor packed into one bowl. It’s become a go-to for busy weeknights, and I just know you’re going to love it as much as I do.
Why You’ll Love This Black Beans and Rice Sausage Recipe
Seriously, this dish is a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why it’s become a staple around here:
- Super Easy to Make: We’re talking minimal prep and mostly hands-off cooking. Perfect for those nights when you just want to relax.
- Flavor Packed: The smoked sausage, savory beans, and hints of spices create such a satisfying taste that’s anything but bland.
- So Versatile: It’s a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with so many things. Plus, you can easily tweak the spices to your liking!
- Busy Weeknight Hero: You can get this on the table in about 30 minutes, proving that delicious and quick meals are totally doable.
Gather Your Ingredients for Black Beans and Rice Sausage
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for this delicious Black Beans and Rice Sausage! It’s pretty straightforward, which is part of why I love it so much. You’ll need about a tablespoon of olive oil to get things started, and then a pound of your favorite smoked sausage, sliced up nicely. Chopped onion – I usually go for about one medium onion – and a couple of cloves of garlic, minced up fine. Then, grab a 15-ounce can of black beans, make sure to rinse and drain them really well. You’ll also need your cooked white rice; about one cup is perfect. A little boost of flavor comes from half a teaspoon of cumin, and of course, salt and pepper to taste. That’s it! See? Simple ingredients for a super satisfying meal.
How to Make Black Beans and Rice Sausage
This Black Beans and Rice Sausage dish is genuinely a breeze! Seriously, the whole process is pretty forgiving, which is music to my ears after a long day. Grab your favorite large skillet – I love using my cast iron for this because it heats so evenly – and get it over medium heat. Then, just drizzle in that tablespoon of olive oil. While the pan is warming up, I like to get my sausage sliced; I usually cut mine into about half-inch rounds, but you do you! Once the oil is shimmery, carefully add the sausage to the hot skillet. Let it cook for a few minutes without stirring too much, you want it to get nicely browned and develop those delicious crispy bits. Once it’s looking golden and gorgeous, just scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate for a moment – don’t drain the pan, though! All that flavorful goodness is exactly what we need for the next steps. It reminds me a bit of how we get all the great flavor base for those ground beef lettuce wraps, you want to capture all those tasty drippings!
Sautéing the Aromatics for Black Beans and Rice Sausage
Now, into that same skillet with all those wonderful sausage drippings, toss in your chopped onion. Give it a good stir and let those onions soften up. This usually takes about 5 minutes for me, until they start looking a bit translucent and smell amazing. Then, add your minced garlic. Garlic cooks super fast, so just a minute more is all you need, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. If it starts looking too dry, no worries, just add a tiny splash more olive oil or even a tablespoon of water.
Combining the Ingredients for Black Beans and Rice Sausage
Okay, here’s where the magic really happens! Add your rinsed and drained black beans, the cooked white rice, and that half teaspoon of cumin directly into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Now, bring back your beautifully browned sausage. Toss it all back into the skillet and stir everything together gently, making sure all those yummy bits and beans are evenly distributed with the rice and sausage. Let it all heat through for about 5 more minutes, just stirring occasionally. You want everything to be nice and hot and melded together. And that’s literally it! So simple, right? You can even try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!
Tips for Perfect Black Beans and Rice Sausage
You know, getting this Black Beans and Rice Sausage just right is all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. First off, picking your sausage matters! A nice, good-quality smoked sausage, like kielbasa or andouille (if you like it spicy!), really brings the flavor. And for the rice? Using day-old, slightly dry rice is actually your best friend here. It helps soak up all those yummy flavors without getting mushy. Remember to taste as you go, too! That’s how you make sure the salt and pepper are exactly where you want them for *your* perfect bite. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more cumin or even some chili powder if you’re feeling bold!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, let’s talk ingredients for this glorious Black Beans and Rice Sausage because a few choices really make it shine. For the sausage, smoked sausage is key – it brings that amazing savory depth and a little smokiness that the dish just can’t do without. Kielbasa is a fantastic choice, but honestly, any good quality smoked sausage you love will work beautifully. Andouille is great if you want to add a bit of spice! If you can’t find smoked sausage, you could try using cooked ham, diced up small, but you might need to adjust the salt a bit since smoked sausage is usually saltier. The olive oil is just to get things started, a little fat helps everything sauté nicely and build flavor. And those black beans? Make sure to rinse and drain them really well – this gets rid of that “canned” taste and any excess sodium. It’s the little things, right? It reminds me of how important good ingredients are in my sweet potato and chickpea curry; they really do make all the difference!
Serving Suggestions for Black Beans and Rice Sausage
This Black Beans and Rice Sausage is practically a meal all on its own, but if you want to round it out, I’ve got a few ideas! A simple, crisp green salad is always a winner. Something with a bright vinaigrette really cuts through the richness of the sausage and beans. And oh my goodness, if you’re feeling a little extra, some warm, fluffy cornbread on the side? Heaven! It’s just perfect for soaking up any extra saucy bits. For a burst of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or even some diced green onions right on top makes everything pop. You could even pair it with something like this delightful pineapple cucumber salad for a bit of sweet and tangy contrast!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Black Beans and Rice Sausage actually tastes even better the next day. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is your friend for a quick warm-up, just give it a stir halfway through. Or, if you prefer, gently heat it in a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth – this really helps keep it nice and moist!
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Beans and Rice Sausage
Got questions about our Black Beans and Rice Sausage? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! If you want to skip the sausage, you can definitely make this vegetarian. Just sauté your onions and garlic in a bit more olive oil and consider adding some extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. You could also add some smoked paprika for that smoky depth that the sausage usually provides.
Can I use different types of beans?
You sure can! While black beans are my favorite here because of their creamy texture, kidney beans or pinto beans would also work really well. Just make sure they’re canned and rinsed and drained, just like the black beans.
How can I make it spicier?
Oh, if you like it hot, this is easy to adjust! I love adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the cumin. You could also use a spicier sausage, like an andouille, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce right at the end. A finely chopped jalapeño sautéed with the onions would be delicious too!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just wanted to give you a heads-up on the nutrition for this killer Black Beans and Rice Sausage. Keep in mind these are just estimates, because, well, we all know cooking can get creative! This is a pretty hearty dish, typically coming in around 450 calories per serving. You’re looking at about 20g of fat, 10g of fiber (yay beans!), 25g of protein, and around 40g of carbs. It’s a good, solid meal that’s super satisfying, and you can always check out more healthy recipe ideas over at our healthy recipes section for inspiration!
PrintBlack Beans and Rice with Sausage
A simple and flavorful dish featuring black beans, rice, and sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 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 until fragrant.
- Stir in black beans, cooked rice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Return sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Notes
- Serve hot.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
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
