Sausage and Bean Casserole Recipe

This Sausage and Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, smoky, and unbelievably hearty. Featuring plump pork sausages, chorizo, and a mix of tender beans in a tomatoey sauce, it’s the kind of dish that transforms even the chilliest day into something cozy and delicious. Let’s make your new favorite casserole!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Though the ingredient list may look impressive, everything serves a special purpose—building robust flavor, deep color, and that iconic, crave-worthy casserole texture. Here’s how every simple addition makes the Sausage and Bean Casserole truly unforgettable!

• Pork Sausages (12): Choose quality, neutrally seasoned sausages for a meaty foundation—classic Cumberland is perfect.
• Mini Cooking Chorizo (8): These add a smoky, paprika-rich kick; regular chorizo cut into chunks works equally well.
• Peeled Plum Tomatoes (2 cans): The heart of the sauce; use a knife to dice them right in the can or swap for chopped tomatoes.
• Pinto Beans (2 cans): They soak up all the flavor and add creamy, earthy body—cannellini or butter beans also shine here.
• Beef Stock (1 cup) + Cornstarch: For depth and a lightly thickened consistency—homemade or good-quality store-bought both work.
• Red Wine (1/2 cup): Adds richness and complexity—don’t skip if you want extra depth!
• Worcestershire Sauce (3 tbsp): Brings an irresistible umami tang to round out the sauce.
• Tomato Puree (2 heaped tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps create a luscious, silky sauce.
• Red Peppers (2): These add sweetness, color, and soft bites to nearly every spoonful.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Freshly diced garlic brings warmth and savoriness.
• Large Onion (1): Caramelized onions are the flavor backbone and create a mouth-watering aroma.
• BBQ Sauce (1 tbsp): Even a tablespoon adds a hint of smokiness and sweet tang.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Elevates the smoky undertones, especially alongside the chorizo.
• Bay Leaves (2) & Rosemary (1 sprig): These herbs infuse the casserole as it simmers, offering subtle fragrance.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning—add throughout the cooking process to layer the flavor.
• Olive Oil: Just enough for browning, which kickstarts both flavor and color.

Variations

This Sausage and Bean Casserole is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you’re swapping in your favorite beans or adjusting to dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to play.

• Swap the Sausages: Use spicy Italian, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages if you’re mixing it up—just keep the flavor profile in mind.
• Change Up the Beans: Cannellini, butter beans, or kidney beans all taste fantastic in this recipe, so use whatever’s in your pantry.
• Make it Meat-Free: Omit the meat, double up on the beans and veggies, and use a rich vegetable stock for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Add Extra Veggies: Carrots, celery, or mushrooms add more depth, texture, and nutrition—just sauté them with the onions and peppers.

How to Make Sausage and Bean Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Sausages and Chorizo

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausages and let them sizzle until they’re gorgeously browned on the outside—it’s all about that flavor and color! Now toss in the mini chorizo and fry a few minutes more until all the sausages are beautifully caramelized. Remove them from the pot and set aside (don’t worry, they’ll finish cooking later).

Step 2: Soften the Veggies

In the magical, flavor-packed oil left behind, add your chopped onion, diced red peppers, and garlic. Sauté gently on medium heat until everything’s wonderfully soft and just starting to caramelize—the aroma in your kitchen will be next-level.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the tomato puree to the softened veggies and stir for a minute or so to toast and sweeten it. Pour in the red wine and let it bubble away, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Once it’s reduced a bit, stir in the beef stock (already mixed with the cornstarch). This starts building that rich, velvety base.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Sauces & Aromatics

Tip in the chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, bay leaves, rosemary, salt, and plenty of black pepper. Give everything a thorough mix, then return the sausages and chorizo (along with any juices) to the pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let the casserole blissfully simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes—this is where the true magic happens.

Step 5: Add the Beans & Finish

After 90 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the drained beans. Let it bubble away uncovered for about 10 minutes more, so the sauce thickens and beans soak up all that flavor. Fish out the bay leaves and rosemary stalk, then give it a taste—adjust the seasoning, and serve up your Sausage and Bean Casserole piping hot!

How to Serve Sausage and Bean Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme gives a lovely burst of color and freshness right before serving. For extra indulgence, grate over a little sharp cheddar or parmesan just as it hits the table—both melt beautifully into the warm casserole.

Side Dishes

Nothing soaks up the rich sauce quite like a pile of creamy mustard mash or a crusty chunk of buttered bread. If you prefer, serve with steamed rice or even a baked potato for another hearty, satisfying option.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, ladle the casserole into small cast-iron pans or deep bowls, nestling in a whole sausage for dramatic effect. Or, scoop it over toasted sourdough “boats” as an appetizer, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of herbs—it’s absolutely show-stopping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Sausage and Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen and improve—just what you want for easy midweek meals!

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, allow to cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, just stir halfway through to be sure it’s piping hot all the way through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall for this Sausage and Bean Casserole—every bowl is deeply flavorful, gloriously hearty, and made for sharing. Whenever you need comfort or just want something truly satisfying, this is the dish to reach for. Grab your pot, gather your favorite people, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

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