Mediterranean Red Beans and Rice

Mediterranean Red Beans and Rice with Chicken Sausage

This elevated version of Mediterranean Red Beans and Rice includes sliced chicken sausage, giving it an extra savory depth while keeping it light and wholesome. Perfect as a full one-bowl meal, it’s protein-packed, rich in fiber, and bursting with Mediterranean herbs and spices.

Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Red Bean & Chicken Sausage Mixture:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small red onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1 small zucchini, diced

2 fully cooked chicken sausages, sliced into coins

1 can (400g) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (400g) diced tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Salt & pepper, to taste

⅓ cup vegetable broth or water

Juice of ½ lemon

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil

For the Rice:

1 cup long grain or basmati rice

2 cups water or vegetable broth

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Cook the Rice

Rinse rice thoroughly.

In a saucepan, combine rice, water (or broth), olive oil, and salt.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15–18 minutes.

Remove from heat and let sit covered 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Cook the Chicken Sausage

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned.

Remove and set aside on a plate.

Make the Red Bean Base

In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes.

Add garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft.

Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes.

Add beans, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili flakes, and broth. Stir well.

Return the sausage to the pan. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes until thickened and flavorful.

Stir in lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley or basil.

Serve

Plate cooked rice in bowls.

Top with a generous portion of the sausage and red bean mixture.

Optional garnishes: fresh herbs, lemon zest, or crumbled feta.

Tips

Use Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage
Choose Mediterranean, Italian, or garlic herb-flavored chicken sausage for extra depth. Since it’s pre-cooked, just brown it for added flavor.

Brown the Sausage Separately
Pan-searing the sausage before mixing it with the beans adds caramelized flavor and texture—don’t skip this step!

Let the Beans Simmer Uncovered
Simmering the mixture uncovered allows excess liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.

Layer Flavors
Taste at the end and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to brighten everything up.

Cook Rice in Broth for More Flavor
Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water when cooking rice to infuse it with more savory taste.

Variations:

Make It Vegan
Omit the sausage and substitute with chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, or plant-based sausage.

Add Greens
Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering.

Swap the Beans
Try cannellini beans, chickpeas, or black beans for a different texture and flavor twist.

Make It Spicier
Add harissa paste, a touch of hot sauce, or more red chili flakes if you prefer heat.

Change the Rice
Use brown rice, quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Cheesy Finish
Top with crumbled feta, grated pecorino, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a Mediterranean-Italian fusion.

Serve with a Side
Pair with a cucumber-tomato salad, grilled flatbread, or a spoon of tzatziki on the side for a refreshing contrast.

Q&A

Q: Can I use raw chicken sausage instead of fully cooked?
A: Yes—but you’ll need to cook it thoroughly before slicing and adding it to the dish. Brown it in the pan first, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze the red bean and sausage mixture (without the rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently. Cook fresh rice when ready to serve.

Q: Can I make this without the sausage for a vegetarian version?
A: Yes! Just skip the sausage and add extra veggies or legumes like chickpeas or lentils to keep it hearty.

Q: Is this spicy?
A: Not by default. The chili flakes add mild heat, but you can omit them or adjust to your taste.

Q: What’s the best rice to use?
A: Long grain white rice, jasmine, or basmati rice are all excellent. Brown rice works too—just increase cooking time and liquid slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition will vary based on the sausage brand and rice type. Using low-sodium beans and broth can help reduce salt content.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Red Beans and Rice with Chicken Sausage is a vibrant, balanced, and satisfying one-pan meal. It’s easy to make, full of protein and fiber, and customizable for plant-based or spicy variations. The combination of herbs, tomatoes, beans, and sausage creates a comfort food vibe with Mediterranean freshness—perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a healthy twist on a classic southern-style favorite.