Looking for a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a Sunday dinner? My Sausage and Bean Casserole is just the thing! It’s packed with savory chicken sausages, tender beans, and rich tomatoes, all brought together with aromatic spices. This dish is easy to make, and it makes a generous amount that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Let’s dive into this delicious and cozy recipe that I know you’ll love!
Method
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and reach the perfect temperature at the end, giving it that crispy topping we all love.
Brown the Sausages
Heat 1/3 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the chicken sausages and cook them for about 10 minutes, turning them regularly. You want them to become golden brown and crispy on all sides, which will help seal in their flavors.
Sauté the Vegetables
After the sausages are browned, add the sliced onion and chopped peppers to the pan. Stir them around, letting them cook for a few minutes until they soften. As they cook, the vegetables will start releasing their sweet and savory aromas, making your kitchen smell amazing!
Add the Garlic and Spices
Once the vegetables are softened, it’s time to bring in the seasonings. Add the crushed garlic, paprika, thyme, and sugar to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables and sausages evenly. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture cook for another couple of minutes, letting the flavors come together and fill your kitchen with a delightful fragrance.
Add the Tomatoes and Balsamic
Now it’s time to add the bulk of the sauce. Crumble in the chicken stock cube and pour in the two tins of tomatoes along with the balsamic glaze. Stir everything together, making sure the stock cube dissolves into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
Add the Beans
Drain your chosen beans (I used borlotti and adzuki beans), and stir them into the pan during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This gives the beans enough time to soak up the flavorful sauce without becoming too mushy. Stir them in gently to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.
Transfer to Oven
Once the mixture is well combined and simmered, pour it into an oven-proof dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it helps thicken the sauce and gives the top a crispy texture. If you prefer a saucier dish, you can skip this step, but trust me, the crispy topping makes a delicious difference!
Necessary Tools
- Large pan
- Oven-proof dish
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Sausage and Bean Casserole Recipe
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes35
minutes45
minutesIngredients
1/3 tbsp olive oil
10 chicken sausages (I used @heckfooduk)
1 onion, sliced
2 peppers, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tins of tomatoes
15ml balsamic glaze
1 chicken stock cube
1.5-2 tins of beans (I used borlotti beans and half a tin of adzuki beans)
1 tsp thyme
2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). This will ensure your casserole has the perfect temperature for baking at the end.
- Brown the Sausages. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken sausages for about 10 minutes, turning them regularly until they’re golden on all sides.
- Sauté the Vegetables. Add the sliced onion and chopped peppers to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until they soften. The veggies will start to release their sweet aroma!
- Add the Garlic and Spices. Stir in the crushed garlic, paprika, thyme, and sugar. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the flavors combine for a couple of minutes, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent.
- Add the Tomatoes and balsamic crumble to the chicken stock cube, then add the tomatoes and balsamic glaze. Stir well to mix everything, and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Beans. Drain your beans and stir them into the mix for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This gives the beans just enough time to soak in the sauce without losing their texture.
- Transfer to Oven. Pour the mixture into an oven-proof dish. Place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This step is optional but helps thicken the sauce and crisp up the top trust me, it’s worth it!
Notes
- Don’t skip the oven step. Although optional, baking the casserole in the oven helps thicken the sauce and gives the top a lovely crispy texture. If you prefer a saucier dish, you can skip this step.
- Watch the sausage browning. Make sure you don’t overcook the sausages while browning them. You want them crispy on the outside but still juicy inside.
- Adjust the beans. You can use any beans you prefer, but keep in mind that beans like borlotti and adzuki have different textures, so choose according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own, but I love serving it with creamy carrot and potato mash or a side of peas to add some extra veggie goodness! You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up all the yummy sauce.
Fun Fact
Did you know that beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber? They’re a perfect addition to any meal, making this casserole both hearty and nutritious!
Conclusion
This Sausage and Bean Casserole is one of those meals that’s sure to please everyone around the table. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for cozy dinners. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I did!
