Sausage And Bean Casserole Recipe

Hearty Sausage And Bean Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty sausage and bean casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, the dish brings rustic charm to your dinner table.

Tender sausages nestle among creamy beans, creating a rich and inviting meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky meat and soft legumes.

The casserole combines traditional cooking techniques with straightforward preparation.

You’ll love how quickly this one-pot wonder comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Gather around and savor a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Making Sausage and Bean Casserole at Home

Step 1: Sizzle Sausages

Heat olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium heat.

Carefully brown the sausages on all sides until they develop a golden, crispy exterior.

Once browned, transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Veggie Base

In the same dish with remaining oil, sauté:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Bell peppers
  • Carrots

Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Stir in:
  • Tomato paste
  • Smoked paprika
  • Thyme

Allow the spices and paste to cook for one minute, intensifying their aromatic qualities and creating a rich flavor base.

Step 4: Combine Liquid Components

Add to the dish:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chicken stock
  • Cannellini beans
  • Kidney beans

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld together.

Step 5: Merge and Slow Cook

Return the browned sausages to the dish.

Cover and reduce heat to low.

Simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the sausages to cook completely and the sauce to thicken and develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to your preference.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Serve hot and enjoy the hearty, comforting meal.

Best Practices for Flavorful Sausage Casserole

  • Select high-quality, flavorful sausages like Italian or chorizo for a richer taste profile.
  • Mix different beans for texture and added nutrition, ensuring they're well-drained to prevent watery consistency.
  • Simmer uncovered in the last 10 minutes to reduce sauce and intensify flavors if needed.
  • Make this casserole a day before serving, as flavors develop and deepen overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Replace beans with diced zucchini or cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the dish's heartiness.

Variations for a Unique Sausage and Bean Bake

  • Vegetarian Bean Bake: Replace sausages with plant-based sausage or firm tofu chunks, using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Southwest Casserole: Swap smoked paprika with chipotle powder, add diced green chilies, and use black beans alongside cannellini beans for a zesty Mexican-inspired dish.
  • Low-Carb Protein Bowl: Eliminate beans, increase meat quantity, add cauliflower rice as a base, and use extra bell peppers for volume while maintaining a hearty protein-rich meal.
  • Mediterranean Style Casserole: Incorporate chorizo instead of regular sausage, add olives, use oregano instead of thyme, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving for a Mediterranean flair.

Sausage and Bean Casserole – Perfect Ways to Serve

  • Hearty Meal Companion: Serve this rich casserole with crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture.
  • Protein Power Boost: Top with crumbled feta cheese or grated parmesan to enhance the protein content and add a tangy flavor profile.
  • Green Side Kick: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's robust and savory flavors.
  • Weekend Comfort Plate: Present alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to create a complete, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

How to Store and Reheat Sausage and Bean Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents.
  • Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausages?

Yes, you can substitute with Italian, bratwurst, or chorizo for varied flavor profiles.

  • Are canned beans okay to use?

Absolutely! Canned beans work perfectly and save time in preparation. Just drain and rinse them before adding.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, use hot Italian sausages, or include a dash of hot sauce during cooking to increase heat level.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your sausage ingredients and chicken stock labels to ensure they are gluten-free. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always verify.

Beans, Sausage, and Hearty Flavors in Every Spoonful

  • Boost Weeknight Dinners: Whip up a hearty, one-pot meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into a delicious, satisfying feast with minimal kitchen cleanup.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap sausages, mix bean varieties, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with protein, beans, and veggies, this casserole delivers a nutritious meal that even picky eaters will love, making mealtime stress-free.
  • Quick Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen with minimal culinary expertise.

Everything You Need for Sausage and Bean Casserole

Meats:
  • Sausages: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper, Carrot: Classic vegetable blend that creates a flavorful aromatic base for the dish.
Beans:
  • Cannellini Beans, Kidney Beans: Protein-packed legumes that provide texture and nutritional value to the casserole.
Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with sautéing and adds a smooth cooking base.
  • Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy sweetness to the casserole.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Herbs and Spices:
  • Smoked Paprika, Thyme: Aromatic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the dish's flavors.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and light flavor.
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Sausage And Bean Casserole Recipe

Sausage And Bean Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty sausage and bean casserole brings rustic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory sausage with creamy beans. Warm spices and rich textures create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 8 pork sausages

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams) cannellini beans
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) chopped tomatoes

Herbs, Spices, and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Warm the olive oil in a spacious casserole pot over medium-high temperature, carefully searing sausages until golden brown on all surfaces, then transfer to a separate plate.
  2. Using the same pot, gently sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and shredded carrots until vegetables become translucent and tender.
  3. Incorporate tomato paste, smoky paprika, and crushed thyme leaves, stirring continuously for approximately 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes, rich chicken stock, creamy cannellini beans, and robust kidney beans, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling point.
  5. Carefully reintroduce seared sausages into the simmering liquid, covering the pot and reducing heat to low, allowing the casserole to slowly develop depth of flavor for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring balanced flavors throughout the dish.
  7. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant, herbaceous touch before serving hot.

Notes

  • Customize sausage selection by choosing low-fat, turkey, or plant-based options for healthier variations.
  • Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the casserole.
  • 3 ratio of dried to fresh herbs for consistent flavor.
  • Swap cannellini and kidney beans with other bean varieties like black or pinto beans for different taste profiles and protein sources.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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