Ingredients

12 ounces spicy sausage (smoked or spicy pork sausage, casing removed if using links)

2 cups cooked rice (day-old rice preferred; white, brown, or jasmine)

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 medium onion, diced (yellow preferred)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green, optional but recommended)

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Black pepper, to taste

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

1 small jalapeño, diced (optional for extra heat)

½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack, optional)

Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your ingredients by dicing the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño if using. Drain and rinse the black beans and open the can of diced tomatoes. Measure out your cooked rice and have everything ready.

Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if there’s too much, but leave some for flavor.

Step 3: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute to prevent burning.

Step 4: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 5: Add the black beans and cooked rice to the skillet. Gently stir to combine, allowing the rice to warm through and absorb the flavors. Cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated evenly.

Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top and cover the skillet for a few minutes until melted. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rice to prevent the dish from becoming mushy and to help it fry up better in the skillet.

Add a splash of hot sauce or extra jalapeños if you like more heat.

Swap the sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add extra beans or vegetables like corn and zucchini.

Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beans instead of canned black beans?

Yes, you can use cooked fresh black beans. Just make sure they are fully cooked and drained before adding them to the skillet.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Day-old cooked rice works best because it’s drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. White, brown, or jasmine rice all work well.

Dinner

Black Beans, Sausage, and Rice Skillet: Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Introduction