Black Beans and Rice with Sausage 

Say hello to your new favorite comfort food! Black Beans and Rice with Sausage is one of those meals that feels hearty, flavorful, and completely satisfying, yet couldn’t be simpler to make.

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This one is for anyone who loves a good one-pan dinner! Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who dislikes the mix of smoky sausage and rice. 

I know people who aren’t into spicy food, or who avoid beans altogether, but this combo? Always a winner.

This recipe keeps things easy. It’s all about browning that sausage until it’s golden, adding the onions and garlic for flavor, and letting everything simmer together until the rice turns fluffy and the beans soak up every bit of seasoning. Simple, comforting, and seriously delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something special about this Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe that makes it a keeper for any home cook.

Hearty and filling: The mix of beans, rice, and sausage makes a meal that keeps everyone full and happy.

Rich and smoky flavor: Each bite has that deep, savory taste from browned sausage and garlic.

Quick and easy: The whole recipe comes together in about 40 minutes using everyday ingredients.

Budget-friendly: It’s made with pantry staples like canned beans and rice, so it’s easy on the wallet.

Perfect for meal prep: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunch boxes or next-day dinners.

Customizable: You can swap in chicken sausage, add more veggies, or even make it spicy.

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Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Sliced green onions
• Hot sauce

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s golden brown on both sides. This step builds the base flavor, so let the sausage caramelize slightly. Once browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add diced onions and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the Rice and Spices

Stir in the rice and let it toast lightly in the oil and vegetable mixture for about a minute. This helps the rice soak up all the flavors. Add paprika, cumin, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Mix well so the spices coat everything evenly.

4. Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth and add the black beans. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Fluff and Serve

Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, season with salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with cilantro, lime juice, or green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Add more veggies: Try mixing in corn, diced tomatoes, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce if you like heat.
• Use brown rice: Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase the cooking time to 40 minutes and add a bit more broth.
• Go meatless: Skip the sausage and add roasted veggies or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to a month.

Serving Suggestions

Black Beans and Rice with Sausage makes a full meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with other dishes too. Serve it with a fresh side salad, fried plantains, or a slice of warm cornbread for a cozy dinner.

When I make this for family dinners, I like adding a simple cucumber tomato salad on the side for something light and refreshing. The mix of spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors works beautifully together.

If you’re entertaining, serve it family-style straight from the skillet, it looks rustic and inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dried ones?

Yes, canned black beans work perfectly. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish reheats really well, so you can cook it a day in advance and warm it up before serving.

Can I use a different sausage?

Of course! Andouille sausage adds a spicy, smoky flavor, but you can also use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo.

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice works best since it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together. Jasmine or basmati rice also tastes great.

Can I make it in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, just brown the sausage and veggies first, then combine everything in the cooker and let it do the rest.

How can I thicken the mixture if it’s too watery?

Uncover the skillet and cook for a few extra minutes to let the excess liquid evaporate.

Final Thoughts

Black Beans and Rice with Sausage is one of those comforting meals that never disappoints. The smoky sausage, flavorful spices, and creamy beans all come together in one satisfying bowl. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prepping.

I love how this recipe can be customized so easily, you can add your favorite vegetables, change up the sausage, or play with spices to make it your own. Every spoonful feels warm and hearty, and it’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with a smile.