Looking for a comforting, flavorful, and budget-friendly dinner? This Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe checks all the boxes! Smoky sausage, tender rice, and protein-packed black beans come together in one pot for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and ready in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy dinner, this dish is a weeknight hero.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot simplicity – minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
- Big flavor payoff – smoky, savory, and a little spicy
- Pantry-friendly – uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Great for leftovers – reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day
- Easily customizable – add veggies, swap proteins, or spice it up your way
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this easy one-pot dinner (plus substitutions):
- Olive oil – for sautéing
- Sausage – smoked sausage, andouille, or chicken sausage
- Onion & garlic – for a savory base
- Bell pepper – adds sweetness and color
- Spices – cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder
- Rice – long-grain white rice (brown rice or quinoa also work with adjustments)
- Black beans – canned for convenience, or pre-cooked from dry
- Broth – chicken or veggie broth adds depth
- Cilantro & lime – for freshness at the end
How to Make Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
- Brown the sausage
Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add sausage slices and cook until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside. - Cook the aromatics
In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes). - Toast the rice with spices
Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder. Add the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes for extra flavor. - Combine and simmer
Add black beans, broth, and the cooked sausage. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. - Fluff and finish
Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Variations & Customizations
- Make it spicier – add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce
- Boost the veggies – try corn, zucchini, spinach, or tomatoes
- Turn it into a stew – add extra broth for a hearty soup version
- Swap the grains – brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice
- Go meatless – use plant-based sausage or skip the meat
Serving Ideas
This dish is plenty filling on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Warm cornbread or tortillas
- Avocado slices or shredded cheese
- A crisp salad with citrus dressing
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist when reheating on the stovetop or microwave.
- Meal prep tip: Portion into containers for quick grab-and-go lunches.
Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 9g
Naturally gluten-free, easily dairy-free, and full of protein + fiber to keep you satisfied.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes – increase broth to 2½ cups and cook for 35–40 minutes, or until tender.
Can I use dried beans?
Absolutely, just cook them first. Use about 1½ cups cooked beans per 15-oz can.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool completely before freezing. Reheat with a splash of broth.
Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed & drained
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven. Brown sausage slices, remove, and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
- Stir in spices and rice, toasting for 1–2 minutes.
- Add beans, broth, and sausage. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 18–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, rest 5 minutes, fluff, then top with cilantro and lime.