If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal with just a few simple ingredients, you’ve got to try this Sausage and Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together so quickly yet has those rich, cozy flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe is a total winner you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its Best: Just a handful of ingredients combine to make a deeply satisfying dish.
- Comfort Food Classic: The rich tomato sauce and hearty sausage make it perfect for cozy nights.
- Customizable: You can easily swap beans or sausage types depending on what you have on hand.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, great when you want a homemade meal fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Sausage and Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe is how these simple ingredients play so well off each other. I recommend picking good quality Italian sausage and a quality canned tomato for a truly luscious sauce. Whether you use dried or canned beans is completely up to you, but I’ll share tips for both!
- Hot Italian Sausage: I love using hot Italian for that extra kick, but you can go mild if you prefer.
- San Marzano or Bianco DiNapoli Tomatoes: These canned tomatoes have the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to enrich your sauce.
- Dried or Canned Beans: Dry beans add a lovely, creamy texture if soaked and cooked ahead; canned beans are a fantastic shortcut.
- Parmigiano or Locatelli Cheese: A good grating of these cheeses brightens the dish just perfectly.
- Olive Oil: For finishing the dish with that signature silky touch.
- Crusty Bread: Essential for mopping up every last bit of sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop.
Variations
I love making this Sausage and Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe my own by switching up a few ingredients here and there. It’s a great base for experimentation, so feel free to tweak it to fit your taste or pantry availability.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap sausage for smoked paprika-seasoned mushrooms or plant-based sausage—my family was surprised how satisfying this turned out!
- Different Beans: Cannellini, navy, or even kidney beans work beautifully, so use whatever you have on hand.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you want to dial up the heat manually, even if using mild sausage.
- Chunky vs. Smooth Sauce: Crush the canned tomatoes more thoroughly for a smoother texture, or leave them chunkier for a rustic feel.
How to Make Sausage and Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Beans First
If you’re using dried beans, get them soaking early and cook them until tender before you start. Dry beans have this creamy, earthy flavor that’s just unbeatable in this dish. But hey, if you’re short on time or spoon-in-hand kind of night, canned beans work just fine—just drain and rinse them well so they don’t add any canny taste.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage Slowly
This is where the magic begins—I love browning the sausage slowly over medium heat so the fat renders out and the outsides get that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Don’t rush this part! The caramelization adds deep flavor to the sauce, and you want to make sure each piece is well cooked but still juicy.
Step 3: Simmer Tomatoes and Beans with Sausage
Once your sausage is browned, pour in the canned tomatoes and add your beans. I like to break up whole canned tomatoes with my hands or spoon for a nice, slightly chunky texture. Let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld while the tomato sauce thickens up beautifully. Taste and check the salt here — usually, the sausage gives enough seasoning, but you know your palate!
Step 4: Finish with Olive Oil and Cheese
Right before serving, drizzle some good quality olive oil on top and grate a generous handful of Parmigiano or Locatelli cheese. It adds this amazing salty, nutty finish that makes the whole dish sing. Don’t skip the crusty bread—dunking it into the sauce is my favorite part.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage and Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Low and Slow Browning: Taking your time browning the sausage ensures maximum flavor, so don’t crank the heat.
- Toast Your Bread: Lightly toasting your crusty bread before serving adds a nice crunch and prevents sogginess when dipped.
- Use Quality Tomatoes: I discovered that good canned tomatoes, like Bianco DiNapoli, make a night-and-day difference in the sauce’s depth.
- Don’t Over-Salt: Since sausage is often salty, taste first before adding any extra salt to avoid overpowering the dish.
How to Serve Sausage and Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of finishing this dish with freshly grated Parmigiano or Locatelli, plus a slick of fruity extra virgin olive oil. You can also scatter some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top if you want a pop of color and brightness—it really wakes the dish up.
Side Dishes
Besides the obvious crusty Italian bread (a must for me), this dish goes wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Once, I served it with creamy polenta, and it was a total hit with my guests!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress for a casual dinner party, serve the sausage and beans in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table, with small bowls of cheese and herbs on the side so everyone can customize. I’ve also layered it over grilled polenta slices for a fun twist that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover sausage and beans in an airtight container in the fridge— it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually seem to deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as tasty as fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep everything from sticking. A splash of water or broth can help loosen it up if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if you can—it’s just not the same for preserving the texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While hot Italian sausage adds a nice spicy kick, you can use mild Italian, breakfast sausage, or even chorizo depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will vary accordingly.
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Do I have to use dried beans or can I use canned beans?
You can definitely use canned beans to save time and still get great results. If you have time and want that creamy texture, soaking and cooking dried beans beforehand adds a lovely homemade touch.
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How spicy is this Sausage and Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe?
The spice level depends on the sausage you choose. Hot Italian sausage will add a moderate spice, but if you want more heat, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to your taste during cooking.
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What type of bread pairs best with this dish?
I recommend crusty bread like a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough. The sturdy texture is perfect for soaking up the tomato sauce without getting too soggy.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe itself is gluten-free as long as the sausage you use doesn’t contain any fillers with gluten. Just swap out the bread for a gluten-free option or serve it alongside rice or polenta instead.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so quick, satisfying, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. I love sharing it with family and friends because it’s simple but elevated, and honestly, everyone goes a little crazy over it. Give it a try next time you want a cozy, no-fuss meal—you might just find yourself making it on repeat like I do!
Print
Sausage and Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring hot Italian sausage simmered with tomatoes and beans, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese, perfect served with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Beans
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage
- 28 oz can tomatoes (recommended: Bianco DiNapoli)
- 1 cup dried beans (soaked and cooked) or 1 can cooked beans (drained and rinsed)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Parmigiano or Locatelli cheese, for grating
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: If using dried beans, soak and cook them ahead of time until tender. For convenience, canned beans can be used by draining and rinsing thoroughly.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the hot Italian sausage and cook slowly, allowing the fat to render and the sausage to become golden brown on all sides.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: To the browned sausage, add the canned tomatoes and beans. If using whole canned tomatoes, gently squeeze them to break up the pieces.
- Simmer the Mixture: Let the sausage, tomatoes, and beans simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt if necessary, though the sausage usually adds sufficient seasoning.
- Serve: Plate the dish with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano or Locatelli cheese. Serve alongside crusty bread and optionally pair with a cold beer.
Notes
- This simple and quick dish combines Italian sausage and giant beans in a flavorful tomato sauce.
- Using canned beans saves time if you don’t want to soak and cook dried beans.
- Choosing a high-quality canned tomato like Bianco DiNapoli enhances the flavor.
- The sausage provides enough saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt.
- Crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
