What’s not to love about a warm, savory bowl of Black Beans and Rice with Sausage?
It’s a dish that brings comfort, bold flavor, and simplicity to the table – all in one pot.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving something hearty, this meal delivers.
We’ll show you how to make the ultimate version of this beloved classic, with simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients.
Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one pot, which means less cleanup
- Full of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavor
- Uses affordable pantry staples
- Great for meal prep or leftovers
- Easy to customize with veggies or different meats
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Substitutions)
Here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients, plus a few substitution ideas if you want to mix it up:
- Black Beans: Canned for convenience, or dried beans if you prefer to cook from scratch
- Sausage: Andouille, smoked sausage, or chicken sausage all work well
- Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal, but brown rice or quinoa can be used with adjusted cook time
- Onion and Garlic: For a flavorful aromatic base
- Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and texture
- Spices: Cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth enhances depth of flavor
- Fresh Cilantro and Lime: For garnish and brightness at the end
How to Make Black Beans and Rice with Sausage (Step-by-Step)
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Spices and Rice:
Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder. Add rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
4. Combine and Simmer:
Add black beans, broth, and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
5. Fluff and Finish:
Remove from heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is flexible and easy to adapt based on what you have on hand:
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne
- Veggie Boost: Mix in corn, zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes
- Soup Version: Add more broth for a hearty stew-like version
- Different Grains: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Meat-Free: Swap sausage for plant-based alternatives or leave it out entirely
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can take it up a notch with:
- Warm cornbread or flour tortillas on the side
- Avocado slices or shredded cheese on top
- A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish
Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep Tips
Storage:
Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. You can also warm it on the stovetop over low heat.
Meal Prep:
Portion into individual containers for easy lunches. This dish holds up well and actually gets more flavorful the next day.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This recipe offers a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and carbs. Here’s a general breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 9g
It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free. To reduce sodium or fat, opt for low-sodium broth and lean chicken sausage.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the broth to about 2½ cups and extend the simmer time to 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?
Yes, but they need to be fully cooked beforehand. You’ll need about 1½ cups of cooked black beans to replace a 15-ounce can.
Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces smoked sausage sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- 1 lime cut into wedges, for serving
Instructions
Brown the Sausage:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Spices and Rice:
- Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder. Add rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
Combine and Simmer:
- Add black beans, broth, and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
Fluff and Finish:
- Remove from heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.