Black Beans, Sausage, and Rice Skillet (Printable version)

Hearty one-pan skillet with smoky sausage, black beans, and fluffy rice in a savory tomato base.

# What you need:

→ Meats

01 - 10 oz smoked sausage (such as 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 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
14 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Garnishes

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and jalapeño; cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to toast the rice and spices.
04 - Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
05 - Bring to a simmer, then reduce the 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 2–3 minutes to heat through and allow excess liquid to evaporate.
07 - Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet so cleanup is practically nonexistent
  • The smoky sausage and spices create depth that tastes like it simmered all day
  • It comes together in under an hour and feeds a hungry crowd without any fuss
02 -
  • Rinsing the rice before adding it prevents gummy clumps and keeps each grain separate
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers or you will let out steam needed for proper cooking
  • The texture should be moist but not wet so those last few minutes uncovered make all the difference
03 -
  • Choose a sausage you really love because its flavor drives the whole dish
  • Let the pan get hot enough before adding the sausage so it browns instead of steams
  • Taste the rice before serving and adjust the salt since some sausages are saltier than others
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