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One-Pot Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Smoked Sausage

A close-up of hearty black beans and rice topped with seared sausage slices and fresh cilantro.
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Make this satisfying, flavorful black beans and rice dish in a single pot. It is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a budget-friendly main course.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This step builds deep flavor.
  4. Add the uncooked rice to the pot and stir for 1 minute to toast the grains lightly with the spices.
  5. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the rinsed black beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during simmering.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam fully.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lime juice and most of the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining fresh cilantro. This makes a hearty black beans and rice main dish.

Notes

  • For a vegan black beans and rice option, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add 1 cup of frozen corn or diced sweet potato along with the rice for extra texture and nutrition.
  • If you prefer a Cuban Style Black Beans and Rice (Arroz con Frijoles Negro), add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar when you stir in the lime juice at the end.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytipster.com/black-beans-and-rice-one-pot-sausage-recipe/