Creamy Mexican Black Beans With Italian Sausage is the kind of dinner recipe that saves you when the day runs long and everyone is hungry. It is hearty, creamy, and full of bold flavor, but still simple enough for a busy weeknight. I love how the spicy Italian sausage melts into the black beans and makes everything taste rich and cozy. If you have 30 minutes, you can have this on the table and feel like you made something special.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the right boxes for a family meal.
- It is quick and easy, perfect for a busy dinner recipe.
- The Italian sausage adds deep flavor without extra work.
- It uses canned black beans, so it is simple and budget friendly.
- It works for burrito bowls, tacos, or as a hearty side dish.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Italian sausage, brings savory flavor and a little spice to the beans.
- Canned black beans, the base of this creamy dish and so easy to use.
- Corn, adds sweetness and color, just like a black beans and corn recipe.
- Onion and garlic, build simple flavor right from the start.
- Chicken broth, helps create a rich and creamy texture.
- Cream cheese or heavy cream, makes the beans smooth and comforting.
- Chili powder and cumin, give that warm Mexican style taste.
- Salt and pepper, to bring everything together.
Step by Step Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage. Cook and break it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Drain and rinse the canned black beans. Add them to the skillet along with the corn.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the beans soak up all that flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Let everything simmer for 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like it thicker, let it simmer a few more minutes.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Want to make canned black beans doctored up? Add a squeeze of lime and a handful of chopped cilantro at the end.
- For black beans for burrito bowl nights, spoon this mixture over rice with avocado and shredded lettuce.
- You can swap in turkey sausage if you want something lighter.
- If you prefer black bean recipes from dry beans, cook your beans ahead of time and use about 3 cups cooked beans.
- For a smoky twist like chipotle black beans copycat style, add a small spoon of chipotle in adobo.
- Turn leftovers into black bean tacos recipes by stuffing the creamy beans into warm tortillas with cheese.
Serving and Storage
Serve these creamy beans over fluffy rice, spooned into burrito bowls, or next to grilled chicken. They also make a cozy side dish for taco night. I love topping them with fresh cilantro and a little shredded cheese.
Creamy Mexican Black Beans With Italian Sausage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans and corn to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the beans absorb the seasoning.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 8 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese or heavy cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. Simmer a few more minutes if you prefer a thicker texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm over rice, in burrito bowls, tacos, or as a hearty side dish.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep them creamy. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned for this dinner recipe?
Yes, you can. If you enjoy black bean recipes from dry beans, cook them until tender first. You will need about 3 cups of cooked beans to replace the canned version. Make sure they are soft before adding them to the skillet. The creamy texture depends on tender beans. This takes more time, but it works beautifully.
How can I make this taste like Cuban black beans recipe?
To lean toward a Cuban black beans recipe flavor, add a splash of orange juice and a pinch of oregano. You can also stir in a little extra garlic. Keep the creamy element, but add those bright flavors. It will taste different, but still delicious and hearty.
Is this good for black beans for burrito bowl meals?
Absolutely. These creamy beans are perfect for burrito bowls. Spoon them over rice and add grilled veggies, salsa, and avocado. The Italian sausage makes it filling enough to stand on its own. It is one of my favorite meals with black beans when I want something easy.
Can I turn this into a refried black beans recipe?
You can mash the beans slightly with the back of a spoon while they simmer. This will give you a thicker texture, similar to a refried black beans recipe. Keep stirring so they do not stick. Add a little more broth if they get too thick. It will be creamy and rich.
Final Thoughts from Ama
This is one of those black bean dinner recipes that feels like you tried harder than you did. It is simple, filling, and full of flavor. Even if the beans simmer a little too long or the sausage browns a bit extra, it will still taste wonderful. Dinner does not have to be fancy to be special. Sometimes a skillet of creamy beans and sausage is all you need to bring everyone to the table.
If you love cozy sausage dinners, you might also enjoy my creamy Italian sausage tortellini, this easy one pot Cajun sausage pasta, comforting creamy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage, hearty corned beef recipe with Italian sausage, or my Cajun sausage with scalloped potatoes for another warm and filling meal.