Name: Comforting Bean and Sausage Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb pork sausages (8-12 depending upon size); 1 lb bacon, chopped; 1 large onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Pinch red pepper flakes; 10 oz can diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 bay leaves; 4 sprigs rosemary; 1/2 cup red wine; 1 15 oz can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Rice, potatoes, or crusty bread

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This bean and sausage casserole is an easy meal that satisfies your meat and potatoes eater at the table. A juicy pork sausage is the perfect base for a meal that has a deliciously rich tomato sauce. Add in fresh herbs and beans then serve with a side of rice or your favorite crusty bread for a complete meal.

Bean and Sausage Casserole

If you want to serve up a meal that is satisfying yet super easy to make, this is the one for you. Sausage is always a hit in my house, and adding in beans and a rich sauce make it even better. Being able to make this meal in just 30 minutes makes it a favorite for weeknight meals.

I use two pans for this but you can do it all in one skillet if you prefer. The way you prepare this isn't as important as the flavors added to the dish. You will love how rich this is and see your family asking for it over and over again.

What Type of Sausages Should I Use?

This is best when made with a pork sausage. Bratwurst is a good option for the recipe, or a good quality sausage from your local butcher. For best results, you want a slightly fatty sausage so the flavor renders off in cooking and is there to help with sauteing the vegetables and adding richness to your sauce.

If you prefer a healthier option, you can use a turkey or chicken sausage for this recipe. When using a lean sausage, you will need to add a bit of oil to the pan to cook them. You may also prefer to cook the bacon first, then use the bacon grease for cooking the sausage and onions.

How do I Know My Pork Sausage is Done Cooking?

For this recipe, you'll have no concerns about the pork being cooked through as it will be simmering for a significant time so it will be cooked through. If you are still worried, you can always check with a meat thermometer. Pork sausage needs to be at least 160°F for safety.

Do I Have to Add Wine to The Recipe?

No, wine is not at all necessary for this dish. My family doesn't drink alcohol, but occasionally cooks with it. That said, I've made this without wine and still had a deliciously flavorful sauce. Adding wine is truly a personal preference and isn't a necessary part of the recipe.

What Should I Serve with This Skillet?

Since this recipe is higher in oils and fats, you'll want to serve with something a bit lighter. I like to serve this over rice or with a side of potatoes. You may even like to use homemade egg noodles to serve this over.

Of course, I always add a nice fresh vegetable with a meal like this. You can serve with roasted or steamed vegetables or even a nice garden salad. You want to always have something balanced to go with such a rich dish.

I also love having a nice crusty bread to dip in the sauce. This homemade French bread recipe is a perfect addition to any meal, but especially for this dish.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Pork sausages
Bacon
Onions
Garlic
Smoked paprika
Red pepper flakes
Diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
brown sugar
Oregano
parsley
Thyme
Bay leaves
Rosemary sprigs
White wine
Great Northern beans
Black pepper
Salt

For Serving: Crusty bread

How to Make a Bean and Sausage Casserole

In a large non-stick skillet, fry the sausages over medium high heat turning every 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides and the fat has rendered down, about 10 minutes. The sausages do not have to be cooked through, simply browned.

Remove the sausages and set them aside on a paper lined plate to drain.

Add the chopped bacon to the pan and fry until just crisp and then add to the plate with the sausages.

Into the skillet, add the onions and cook for 4-5 minutes stirring often until they are softened and beginning to brown.

Add in the garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes along with the onions stirring frequently.

To the onions and garlic, add the paprika and red pepper flakes, stir and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Pour in the tomatoes, broth, tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and dried herbs and stir to combine.

If using wine, add the wine at this point and bring to a simmer. For those who prefer to leave the wine out, add water in place of the wine.

In a separate skillet, add the sausages and bacon, then pour the tomato mixture over the top and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Add in the bay leaves and rosemary, then cover the pan and simmer on low for 20 minutes stirring occasionally.

Stir the beans into the mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through stirring occasionally and until the sauce has thickened some.

Season with salt and pepper to taste then serve with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.

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Chef's Tips

When making skillet dishes and casseroles, nothing beats a good heavy bottomed cast iron skillet. I love the pre-seasoned cast iron skillets for almost every recipe in my kitchen.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8