Description
This Savory Black Beans and Rice with Beef Sausage Delight is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender black beans, aromatic spices, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a comforting dish inspired by rustic Creole and Southern flavors, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black beans (or 2 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 12 oz smoked sausage, andouille sausage, or turkey sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Spices & Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: If using dried beans, soak them overnight in water to soften. Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly if using. Chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the sausage: Add the sausage pieces to the pot and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and releases its smoky flavor into the vegetables.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the sausage and vegetables with the spices, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- Add beans and broth: Stir in the black beans, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer to let the flavors meld together.
- Cook the rice: Stir in the rice and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or according to package instructions until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Final rest and fluff: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become tender. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Optionally, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to add brightness before serving.
Notes
- If using dried beans, remember to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to this recipe.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth.
