recipe

Hearty One-Pan Italian Sausage and Beans Dinner

Total time: 65 mins.

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 6-8

Italian sausage and beans is a comforting, rustic dish made with juicy pork sausages, tender beans, rich tomato sauce, garlic, olive oil and fragrant sage. Everything comes together in one pan, allowing the sausages to release their savory juices into the tomato sauce while the beans soak up all that seasoning. It is best for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or weekend lunches.

What Is Italian Sausage and Beans?

Italian sausage and beans is a country-style dish that brings together ingredients that have been feeding families for generations. It typically features pork sausages cooked in a tomato-based sauce with beans, garlic, and herbs.

The dish is associated with traditional Italian home cooking, particularly the cucina povera style of cooking. This translates to "poor kitchen" and refers to the resourceful cooking traditions that made the most of inexpensive, readily available ingredients. Rather than relying on elaborate preparations or expensive ingredients, Italian home cooks created satisfying meals using beans, vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, and whatever meat was available.

Although different Italian regions have their own variations, sausage and beans are often prepared with ingredients such as cannellini beans, borlotti beans, rosemary, sage, garlic and tomatoes. Some versions are more soupy, while others have a thicker sauce that practically begs for a piece of bread.

Pro Tips for the Best Sausage and Beans

Brown the sausages properly and resist the temptation to rush this first step. Give the sausages enough time to develop a golden-brown exterior on all sides.
Since pork sausages are one of the main ingredients, their quality matters. Choose sausages with a good meat content and plenty of seasoning.
Garlic can turn bitter quickly when exposed to excessive heat. Add it to the olive oil and let it release its aroma gently before introducing the sausages.
Once the tomato sauce has been added, reduce the heat. A gentle simmer allows the sausages to cook thoroughly while the sauce gradually develops a deeper flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Beans Work Best in This Recipe?

Cannellini beans are a fantastic option because they have a creamy texture and a mild flavour that pairs well with pork and tomato sauce. Borlotti beans are another traditional choice, offering a slightly earthy taste and a lovely texture.

What Can I Serve with Sausage and Beans?

Crusty bread is one of the best accompaniments because it helps soak up the rich tomato sauce. Garlic bread, toasted sourdough, or a warm baguette are all excellent choices. For something more substantial, serve the dish with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or polenta.

Can I Freeze Sausage and Beans?

For convenience, divide it into individual portions so you only defrost what you plan to eat. Then freeze and enjoy within a month. Defrost thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating until piping hot.

How to Store Leftover Sausage and Beans

Allow the sausage and beans to cool before transferring them into a clean, airtight food container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and keep at 5°C or below. The leftovers should be eaten within two days.

Ingredients

extra virgin olive oil

Garlic cloves

Sage

Pork sausage

800g

tomato sauce

600g (2 + 3/4 cups)

beans

800g

salt

Pepper

How to Make Italian Sausage and Beans

Step 1

Place a pan over medium heat, add olive oil, garlic cloves, sage leaves, and heat for a minute. Add the pork sausages and allow them to brown on all sides.