Description
This Quick and Hearty Black Beans, Sausage and Rice Skillet is a savory one-pan meal that combines smoky sausage, tender rice, and flavorful vegetables in a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients to create a satisfying, well-balanced meal with a kick of spice from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 13 ounces smoked sausage (sliced into 1/4-inch coins)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions (chopped, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, ensuring the pan is hot enough for sautéing.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sausage is browned and starts to render its flavorful fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 30 seconds to release the spices’ aromas without burning the garlic.
- Incorporate the Rice: Add the rinsed and drained long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil, sausage fat, and seasonings for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Dish: Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Rest the Skillet: Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered. Let it rest undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming.
- Fluff and Serve: Use a fork to fluff the cooked rice gently. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving warm.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Using low-sodium broth allows better control over the saltiness of the dish.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted for less heat.
- This skillet meal can be made vegetarian by substituting the sausage with plant-based sausage and using vegetable broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
