Black Beans and Rice with Sausage – Easy Family Dinner

Looking for a comforting, protein-packed meal that’s easy on your time and budget? This Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe is a Southern-inspired, Latin-influenced dish that delivers smoky, savory flavor in every bite. With just one pot, pantry staples, and simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that feels like it simmered all day—even though it’s ready in under 40 minutes.

The mix of juicy sausage, creamy black beans, fluffy rice, and warm spices creates a bold and cozy dish that tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping, or just craving comfort food, this bowl is a guaranteed win.

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Why You’ll Love This Black Beans and Rice Dish

• One-pot simplicity – less mess, more flavor

• Deep, savory flavor from sausage, garlic, and spices

• Budget-friendly ingredients from your pantry

• High in protein and fiber – satisfying and nourishing

• Versatile – customize it to fit your diet or spice level

It’s the kind of recipe that feels rustic and home-cooked but works on a weeknight schedule.

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Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need

Smoked Sausage

Andouille sausage adds a smoky, spicy Cajun flavor. You can also use:

• Kielbasa for a milder option

• Chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version

• Vegan sausage for a plant-based twist

Slice it into thin rounds for even browning.

Black Beans

Use canned black beans for ease—just rinse and drain. They bring creamy texture, fiber, and a slightly sweet earthiness.

Rice

• Long-grain white rice is classic for this recipe

• Brown rice adds more fiber and chew but takes longer to cook

• Jasmine or basmati works if that’s what you have on hand

Aromatics

• Onion, garlic, and bell pepper lay the flavor foundation.

• Red bell pepper is sweet and colorful; green bell pepper adds a bitter edge.

Spices

Warm, smoky seasonings bring it all together:

• Cumin

• Smoked paprika

• Oregano

• Black pepper

• Optional: cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat

Broth or Water

Use chicken broth (or vegetable broth) to cook the rice and deepen the flavor.

Olive Oil

Used for sautéing and adds heart-healthy fat.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

• Add 12 oz sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics

• In the same pan, add:

  • 1 small chopped onion

  • 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped

  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• Sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

3. Add Spices & Rice

• Stir in:

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp oregano

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Pinch of cayenne (optional)

• Add 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice and stir to toast the grains for 1–2 minutes.

4. Simmer

• Pour in:

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

• Return sausage to the pot and bring to a boil.

5. Cover & Cook

• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

• Let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

6. Serve

• Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Toast the rice before simmering for nutty depth.

• Use leftover cooked rice: Reduce broth and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

• Slice sausage thinly so each bite is packed with flavor.

Variations

• Creole-style: Add chopped tomatoes or tomato paste for a saucier dish.

• Cuban-style: Use sofrito base (onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano) and stir in olives.

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

• Vegetarian: Use veggie sausage or omit sausage and add extra beans, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Ingredient Swaps

• No black beans? Use pinto or kidney beans.

• No sausage? Try ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or tempeh.

• No broth? Use bouillon + water or just salted water.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

Quick Weeknight Dinner

Serve this with a simple salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.

Meal Prep

It stores beautifully and even improves in flavor after a day in the fridge. Divide into containers and reheat as needed.

Family Favorite

It’s mild enough for kids but customizable with toppings like:

• Shredded cheese

• Sour cream

• Hot sauce

• Sliced avocado

Potluck or Picnic

This dish travels well and holds up great at room temperature.

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Nutrition & Health Benefits

This hearty bowl is rich in:

• Protein from sausage and beans

• Fiber from black beans and veggies

• Complex carbs for steady energy

• Iron and B vitamins from rice and legumes

• Healthy fats from olive oil

Estimated Per Serving (1 of 4 servings):

• Calories: 450–500

• Protein: 20–25g

• Carbs: 40–45g

• Fat: 18–22g

• Fiber: 6–8g

Nutrition will vary based on sausage and rice type.

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FAQ: Black Beans and Rice with Sausage

1. Can I make this with brown rice?

Yes, but it takes longer—around 40–45 minutes to cook. Add more liquid if needed.

2. Can I use pre-cooked or leftover rice?

Yes. Reduce broth to ½ cup, cook the aromatics and sausage as directed, then stir in cooked rice and beans. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but you can make it spicy with cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce.

4. Can I make it in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! For Instant Pot: sauté sausage and aromatics on sauté mode, add rice, beans, and broth, then cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Natural release 10 minutes.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on stovetop or microwave.

6. Is it gluten-free?

Yes—just ensure your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.

7. What kind of sausage works best?

Andouille is traditional, but kielbasa, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage also work great.

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