Name: Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil or bacon drippings; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; 2 Andouille sausages, sliced or 1/2 pound Mexican chorizo, crumbled; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 1/4 cups stock, broth, or water; 1 1/2 – 2 cups cooked pinto beans, drained; 1/2 cup roasted, chopped red or green chile pepper; 1 Tbsp. red chile paste or red chile sauce (optional); 1 tsp. oregano; 1/4 tsp. salt, or to taste; 1 cup white rice; 1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped; Black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re longing for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that checks all the boxes for flavor, look no further than this Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day — hearty, satisfying, and unbelievably easy to whip up. With smoky sausage, creamy beans, aromatic veggies, and a gentle kick from chile, this one-pot wonder is my go-to whenever I want a classic that never disappoints. Trust me, it’s a foolproof favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!

Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple, honest ingredients, each lending its own special something to the dish. They create a harmony of textures and flavors — think savory, spicy, and just the right amount of herby freshness — making this Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe truly irresistible.

Vegetable or canola oil (or bacon drippings): A flavorful fat to start your saute, setting the stage for everything else.
Onion: Finely chopped for a mellow, savory sweetness that forms the backbone of your flavor base.
Celery: Adds freshness and a gentle crunch to balance the heartier elements.
Andouille sausage (or Mexican chorizo): Smoky, spicy, and deeply savory — the sausage is the star, but you can pick your favorite for a twist.
Garlic: Four cloves, minced — because there’s no such thing as too much garlic in cozy comfort food!
Stock, broth, or water: The cooking liquid brings everything together and gives that glorious fluffy rice texture.
Cooked pinto beans (drained): The humble bean brings creaminess, protein, and earthy flavor that rounds out the dish.
Roasted, chopped red or green chile pepper: This adds both color and a little zippy kick; pick your favorite variety to stir into the mix.
Red chile paste or red chile sauce (optional): For a saucier finish and a bit more spicy depth.
Oregano: Just a teaspoon adds a subtle, herby note that lifts the whole dish.
Salt: Season to taste — always check at the end, since your sausage and stock may already be salty.
White rice: Our dependable base, soaking up all the rich juices and binding everything together.
Fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped): A finishing sprinkle of color and freshness.
Black pepper: To round things out and add a little bite at the end.

How to Make Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating your oil (or bacon drippings, if you’re feeling extra) in a large braiser or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Stir in the chopped onion and celery, letting them gently sweat and meld their flavors for about four minutes. If you’re using non-roasted chile peppers, add them in now, so they get soft and sweet alongside the other veggies. These aromatic ingredients promise a deliciously savory base that really shines through in every bite.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Garlic

Next up, toss in your sausage and the minced garlic. If you’re using andouille, it only takes about two minutes to sizzle and caramelize; chorizo will need a couple minutes more (around four) — or until it’s cooked through and crumbled. The magical thing here is how the rendered fat from the sausage soaks into your veggies, infusing every grain of rice and bite of bean with big, bold flavor.

Step 3: Add Beans, Chile, and Broth

Now for the real heart of the dish! Stir in your roasted chile peppers, pinto beans (make sure they’re drained), cooking liquid of choice (whether stock, broth, or water), oregano, and a spoonful of red chile paste or sauce if you love extra warmth. Crank up the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil — this gives the flavors a jump-start and helps the beans mingle with all that smoky sausage goodness.

Step 4: Stir in the Rice

Add the uncooked white rice, stirring it just enough to blend it with all those vibrant ingredients. Don’t overmix — this helps the rice absorb maximum flavor as it cooks. It’s this simple touch that makes the Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe so hearty and satisfying.

Step 5: Simmer and Steam

Drop the heat to low, cover your pan, and let it simmer undisturbed for about 20 minutes. The rice will soak up all those savory liquids, and the beans will get even creamier. If the rice isn’t quite tender at the end, add a splash (about 1/4 cup) of hot water, cover again, and cook a couple minutes longer. Letting it rest for 5 minutes after cooking ensures every bite is perfectly fluffy and tender.

Step 6: Finish and Season

Uncover your pan and stir in the fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper, remembering that sausage and broth can already pack a punch. At this point, everything should look and smell downright irresistible!

Step 7: Dish Up and Enjoy

Spoon the Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe into bowls and serve hot, preferably with slices of garlic bread or a big leafy salad. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, so don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

How to Serve Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley makes this dish truly sing. I also love a squeeze of fresh lime, a sprinkle of green onions, or even a little shredded cheese for extra indulgence. The beauty of this Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe is how a simple garnish can make it look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, pair your beans and rice with a crisp green salad or creamy coleslaw to provide a cooling counterpoint to the smoky, spicy flavors. Garlic bread, buttery cornbread, or warm flour tortillas also work wonders for scooping up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to change things up, serve the beans, rice, and sausage in individual bowls topped with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or pickled jalapeños. For a party or potluck, turn it into a burrito filling or stuff inside bell peppers and bake. There’s no wrong way to enjoy the Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe — just have fun with it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe stores beautifully! Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or speedy work lunches.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, too. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeezing out excess air. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting for a quick weeknight dinner down the road.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave leftovers in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water until piping hot. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it might be even more delicious the next day!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require extra liquid. You may need to increase the simmering time by 15–20 minutes and check for doneness as you go.

What beans can I substitute for pinto beans?

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to use black beans, kidney beans, or even cannellini beans if that’s what you have on hand. Each one will bring its own unique texture and flavor.

How spicy is the Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe?

The spice level depends on your choice of sausage, chiles, and whether you add chile paste or sauce. Andouille and chorizo both carry some heat, but you can always use a milder sausage if you prefer. Adjust the chiles to match your taste!

What kind of sausage works best?

Andouille gives a wonderfully smoky and bold flavor, while Mexican chorizo adds richness and a more pronounced spice. For a milder version, try kielbasa or even a chicken or turkey sausage.

I’m vegetarian — can I make this dish meatless?

Definitely! Just swap out the sausage for your favorite vegetarian alternative or skip it altogether. Add extra beans or roasted veggies for heartiness. Maybe a smoked paprika or chipotle seasoning will deliver some of that classic sausage depth.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a big, family-style skillet of this Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe. It’s straightforward, flexible, and deeply flavorful, making dinner time the very best part of the day. Give it a try and watch it become a new regular in your meal rotation!

Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and hearty dish, Easy Beans and Rice with Sausage is a satisfying one-pot meal that combines savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and spices with tender beans and rice.

Instructions

Heat the oil: In a large braiser or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally for 4 minutes.
Add sausage and garlic: Add the sausage and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes for Andouille, 4 minutes for chorizo, or until cooked.
Add remaining ingredients: Add the chile peppers, beans, liquid, oregano, and chile paste. Bring to a boil.
Add rice: Stir in the rice just enough to mix it with the other ingredients.
Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. If the rice isn’t quite done, add 1/4 cup hot water, cover, and cook another 2 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Finish and serve: Stir in the cilantro or parsley and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.