Description
Make this hearty, one-pot black beans and rice with sausage for a quick weeknight dinner or easy meal prep. It is budget-friendly and full of savory flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked rice to the pot and stir for 1 minute to toast the grains lightly.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the rinsed black beans, broth, and bay leaf. Stir everything together well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Fluff the rice and beans mixture gently with a fork. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. This makes a great savory rice bowl.
Notes
- For a vegan black beans and rice option, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor substitute.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep; store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you prefer a Cuban style flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar when seasoning at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 75
- Fiber: 15
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 35