Black Beans Sausage and Rice (Print Version)

Hearty one-pan meal with smoky sausage, black beans, and rice simmered in flavorful tomato base.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 10 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Grains & Legumes

06 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 1 2/3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnishes

15 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and jalapeño; cook for 1 minute longer.
03 - Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to toast the rice and bloom the spices.
04 - Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Stir well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
05 - Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
06 - Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and allow excess liquid to evaporate.
07 - Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, which means you'll have minimal cleanup and more time for things that matter.
  • The sausage brings smokiness that feels restaurant-quality but comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and stretches to feed a crowd with just one extra can of beans.
02 -
  • The rice needs to toast in the spices for that full minute, or it can taste one-dimensional no matter what else you do.
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned black beans, as the starchy liquid will throw off your liquid-to-rice ratio and leave you with mush.
03 -
  • If you prefer more heat, add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper, which will give you warmth without changing the other flavors.
  • Browning the sausage first creates a flavorful fond that becomes the foundation of everything else, so don't rush this step.
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