Mexican Black Beans and Rice with Sausage 7 Genius Tips
Smoky sausage, creamy black beans, sweet peppers, and stewed tomatoes come together in one skillet, then spooned over hot rice. Bloomed chili powder and a fresh cilantro finish deliver big flavor fast.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Rice cooker or saucepan for rice
Ingredients
Aromatics and Oil
- 1 tbsp canola oil neutral oil with high smoke point
- 0.33 cup onion chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper cored and diced
Protein
- 12 oz smoked sausage sliced; spicy turkey sausage used here
Saucy Base
- 14.5 oz stewed tomatoes 1 can
- 1 tbsp chili powder bloom in fat for fuller flavor
- 15 oz black beans 1 can; rinsed and drained
Fresh Finish
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
To Serve
- 4 cups hot cooked rice brown rice preferred; white rice also works
- hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Prep the basics Have 4 cups hot cooked rice ready. Rinse and drain the black beans. Open the tomatoes so they are ready to pour.
- Heat the skillet Warm 1 tbsp canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Sweat aromatics Add chopped onion and diced red pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until onion is translucent and pepper softens to build sweetness.
- Bloom chili powder Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Blooming in fat unlocks deeper flavor.
- Brown the sausage Add sliced smoked sausage. Cook 4–5 minutes until edges take on color for savory depth.
- Build the sauce Pour in stewed tomatoes with juices. Break up large pieces and bring to a lively simmer.
- Add beans Stir in rinsed black beans. When it returns to a simmer, reduce heat to low so it gently bubbles.
- Cover and simmer Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until peppers are tender and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish and adjust Fold in chopped cilantro off heat. Taste and adjust heat with hot sauce. If the sauce is thicker than you like, add a splash of water; if too thin, simmer uncovered 2–3 minutes.
- Serve Spoon the saucy beans and sausage over hot rice. Offer more cilantro and hot sauce at the table so everyone can customize.
Notes
Sausage choices: Spicy turkey keeps it lighter; andouille adds smokier depth. If a lot of fat renders, spoon off a little before adding tomatoes.
Bean swaps: Pinto or kidney beans work; rinse well.
Veg add-ins: Fold in corn or spinach during the last minutes for color and nutrients.
Meal prep: Store rice and the bean mixture separately for best texture; loosen with a splash of water when reheating.
Bean swaps: Pinto or kidney beans work; rinse well.
Veg add-ins: Fold in corn or spinach during the last minutes for color and nutrients.
Meal prep: Store rice and the bean mixture separately for best texture; loosen with a splash of water when reheating.