Creole Black Beans
A hearty Creole black beans dish packed with smoky sausage, aromatic herbs, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, cut into one inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 - 15 oz. cans black beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 C. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 C. chopped celery ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. leaf thyme ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. leaf oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 chicken bouillon cube ⓘ
- 5 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 - 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 C. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the sausage in a crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a diced bell pepper or substituting the smoked sausage with chorizo for a spicier kick. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also enhance the dish with a splash of vinegar or fresh cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creole Black Beans over fluffy cooked rice for a hearty meal. For added freshness, top with diced avocado or a squeeze of lime. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Black Beans contains roughly 1285 calories, with 55g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (235% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (213% of the Daily Value), and iron (132% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 854mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried black beans. Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the crock-pot with the other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time as necessary, ensuring they are fully cooked before serving.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Additionally, consider serving it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer more heat.
Can I freeze the Creole Black Beans?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).