Hearty Sausage And Bean Casserole Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Comfort arrives with this hearty sausage and bean casserole that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Rich ingredients blend together in a delectable harmony of flavors.

Savory sausage pieces nestle among creamy beans, creating a robust meal perfect for hungry crowds.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.

Rustic and filling, the dish speaks to soul-satisfying home cooking traditions.

Layers of smoky, tender components meld seamlessly in one delightful pan.

Jump into this recipe and discover a meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Sausage and Bean Casserole Packed with Hearty Flavors

• Boost Comfort Levels: Packed with hearty sausages and creamy beans, this casserole wraps you in warm, satisfying flavors that feel like a hug on a plate.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Requires minimal preparation steps and uses just one skillet before transferring to the oven, making cleanup and cooking super straightforward.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from sausages, fiber from beans, and vitamins from colorful vegetables, delivering a balanced meal in a single dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile recipe that appeals to both adults and kids, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends who love robust, filling meals.

Ingredients for Sausage and Bean Casserole

• Sausages: Classic meat component that provides rich, hearty flavor to the casserole.
• Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that add protein and substance to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that create a flavor base and provide nutritional depth.
• Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Add tangy sweetness and create a robust sauce for the casserole.

• Paprika, Thyme, Bay Leaves: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that helps develop a rich, savory taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb used for garnishing and adding a fresh finish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.

How to Make Sausage and Bean Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausages

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Brown the sausages on all sides until they develop a beautiful golden color, then set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Saute the Veggie Medley

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Bell peppers

Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Thyme

Let them dance together for about 2 minutes to release their incredible flavors.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

• Chopped tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaves

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

Step 6: Combine All Components

Add cannellini beans and the previously browned sausages to the skillet.

Mix everything together gently.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to a casserole dish.

Cover it securely.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the sausages are completely cooked through.

Step 9: Final Touch

Remove the bay leaves.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Flavorful Sausage and Bean Casserole

• Choose high-quality, flavorful sausages like Italian or Spanish chorizo to elevate the dish's overall taste and richness.
• Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Drain and rinse canned cannellini beans to reduce sodium and prevent excess liquid in the dish.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal.

Variations to Customize Sausage and Bean Casserole

• Vegetarian Bean Casserole: Replace sausages with plant-based sausage links or extra firm tofu, using similar spices for flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken or turkey sausages and confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Version: Select low-sodium chicken broth, use reduced-sodium tomato paste, and choose lower-sodium sausage varieties.
• Mediterranean Adaptation: Swap cannellini beans with chickpeas, add kalamata olives, use oregano instead of thyme, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Sausage and Bean Casserole

• Rustic Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a satisfying meal that brings everyone together.
• Comforting Side Pairing: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to complement the rich flavors and add extra substance to the dish.
• Fresh Green Accent: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the casserole's robust flavors and add a light, fresh element to the meal.
• Wine Companion: Enjoy with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to enhance the sausage's savory notes and create a complete dining experience.

How to Store Sausage and Bean Casserole Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs

• Why use cannellini beans in this recipe?

Cannellini beans are creamy, mild-flavored white beans that absorb flavors beautifully and provide a soft texture that complements the sausage perfectly. They’re also packed with protein and fiber, making the dish more nutritious.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with Italian or pork sausages, you can easily substitute with chicken, turkey, or spicy chorizo sausages depending on your taste preference and dietary needs.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Choose lean sausage varieties, use low-sodium chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase the nutritional value. You can also use whole grain breadcrumbs as a topping for added fiber.

Hearty Sausage And Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage and bean casserole brings robust flavors from traditional French countryside cooking. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with each satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 – 8 sausages (pork, beef, chicken, or vegetarian)

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 400 grams) chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the hearty casserole.
2. Select a large skillet and drizzle olive oil, heating over medium flame.
3. Carefully sear sausages, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all sides, then transfer to a holding plate.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and bell peppers until vegetables soften and release their aromatic qualities.
5. Introduce tomato paste, sprinkle paprika, and crumble dried thyme into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for approximately 2 minutes to enhance flavor development.
6. Pour chopped tomatoes and chicken broth into the skillet, adding bay leaves to infuse depth. Allow the liquid to gently simmer and integrate flavors.
7. Gently fold cannellini beans and previously browned sausages into the simmering mixture, ensuring even distribution.
8. Carefully transfer the entire skillet contents to a casserole dish, ensuring an even spread of ingredients.
9. Cover the dish and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the casserole to bake for 30-35 minutes until sausages reach complete doneness.
10. Extract bay leaves from the finished casserole and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Swap traditional pork sausages with chicken or turkey sausages for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to lower sodium levels and remove excess starch for a cleaner texture.
• Add a splash of red wine during sautéing vegetables to enhance depth of flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Consider using gluten-free sausages and checking broth ingredients if preparing for gluten-sensitive individuals to make the dish celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg