Red beans and sausage is a staple in my monthly menu. It is quick, easy and also inexpensive to make. I even think it tastes better reheated the next day.
Red Beans and Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 link of smoked turkey sausage, cut in bit sized pieces
- 1 chopped red pepper
- 1 cup chopped yellow or white onion
- 2 tsp cajun or blackened seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 – 1 tsp Tabasco sauce (more or less depending on how spicy you want it)
- 1 – 16 oz can dark red kidney beans, rinsed, drained and divided
- 1 – 14oz can fat-free chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups rice (optional – I prefer to use Trader Joe’s microwavable Organic brown rice)
Directions
- Cook rice according to directions on the package, omitting salt & butter if recommended
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a bowl and cover to keep warm.
- Add red pepper, onion, seasoning, thyme and Tabasco sauce and saute until onions are tender. Add the chicken broth and half of the beans. Take the other half of the beans and mash them in a separate bowl. Add the mashed beans to the skillet and stir to incorporate. Add sausage, parsley and salt to skillet, cooking until heated through, approximately 1-2 minutes. Serve over rice if desired. The night I made this, I decided to hold back on the carbs and the meal was still filling.
I like to serve cornbread or corn muffins with this. This is another recipe in which you can easily substitute whatever you have in your pantry. If you’re looking for a vegetarian meal, omit the sausage and add a can of black beans.
Original recipe by Cooking Light, this version adapted by East9thStreet.
About Sarah
Sarah is a healthcare administrator, mother of one spunky 6-year old daughter and a travel blogger living in Wichita, Kansas. Join her as she tackles life in the midwest one to-do list at a time.
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Okay, don’t get mad. When I saw the title, I was like hmm…really? But then I saw the picture and I was completely sold!! haha, it looks yummy!
Whriwind of Surprises
Haha, when I first saw my title I thought of Something About Mary and “frank and beans.” Don’t ask me why, my mind just goes there sometimes…lol. Glad I won you over.
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Looks really yummy! And so packed with protein!
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That would be great to have on hand after football practice. Simple to heat up and go. Thanks for sharing.
Looks like a great way to use up some of the sausage I have in my freezer! Thanks for sharing