Craving a hearty, mouth-watering dish that combines the perfect blend of protein, grains, and rich flavors? Look no further than this incredible Rice and Red Bean Sausage recipe! In just 40 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this one-pan wonder promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can red beans, drained
- 4 sausages, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly washing rice, draining red beans, slicing sausages into thin rounds, finely chopping onion, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add sliced sausages to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to brown slightly and release their natural oils and seasonings.
- Pour in the washed rice and stir to combine with the sausages, onions, and garlic, toasting the rice for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add drained red beans and vegetable broth to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot as a complete one-pan meal.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and ensures fluffy, separate grains.
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality sausages with robust flavors like andouille or spicy Italian for an extra flavor punch.
- Flavor Layering: Toast the rice and sauté vegetables before adding liquid to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Liquid Ratio: Use a 2:1 liquid to rice ratio for perfectly cooked rice. Vegetable broth adds more depth than water.
- Rest and Fluff: Always let the dish rest after cooking and fluff with a fork to distribute flavors and prevent compacting.
- Customization: Feel free to add diced bell peppers or swap vegetable broth with chicken stock for variation.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers and quick lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
