Description

Looking for a quick, hearty, and delicious dinner idea? This Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage is a one-skillet wonder that’s packed with flavor, color, and comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe blends smoky sausage, tender beans, and fluffy rice with savory spices for a satisfying meal. It’s a great choice for quick dinner ideas, family meals, or healthy leftovers. Plus, it reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red, green, yellow)

1 cup diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 cups cooked rice

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep all your ingredients: slice sausage, dice peppers and onions, mince garlic, and rinse beans.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.

3. Push sausage aside, add onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, letting the spices bloom.

5. Add black beans and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Stir in cooked rice and gently mix. Let it cook on low for 5 more minutes so the flavors meld.

7. Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Day-old rice works best to avoid mushiness and helps absorb the flavors better.

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months and reheat with a splash of broth.

Smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa adds the most depth, but turkey sausage works great too.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: quick dinner, easy dinner, one-pot recipe, sausage rice, hearty meal