Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering feast that'll have your family begging for seconds! This Smoky Sausage and Beans recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, smoky flavors with hearty ingredients in a one-skillet wonder. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish that screams home-cooked deliciousness, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that's both incredibly simple and absolutely irresistible!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing the smoked sausage into half-inch rounds, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned and releasing its oils, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, allowing it to bloom and release its aromatic oils for about 1 minute.
- Add the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, browned sausage back into the skillet, and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and reduce heat to low.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot, preferably with crusty bread or over rice.
Tips
- Choose high-quality smoked sausage for maximum flavor - the better the sausage, the more delicious your dish will be.
- Take your time when browning the sausage and sautéing the onions. These steps build layers of flavor that make the entire dish sing.
- Use fresh garlic if possible, as it provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic from a jar.
- Don't rush the simmering process. The low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become perfectly tender.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine or a dash of hot sauce when simmering.
- If the dish seems too thick, you can add a little chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
- This recipe is incredibly forgiving - feel free to experiment with different types of beans or add additional vegetables like bell peppers or celery.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
