Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a delightful dish that brings the comfort of home cooking to your dinner table. With its blend of savory sausages, hearty butter beans, and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, this dish is the perfect answer to a long day. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—prep time is just a breeze, meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and still serve up something that feels special. Plus, with each bite, you’ll experience the comforting flavors that remind you of cozy family dinners.
Table of Contents
When I first made Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake, it was after a particularly exhausting week, and I was craving something warm and filling. Cooking it felt like a warm hug—it not only satisfied my hunger but also brought me back to my childhood, sharing similar meals with family. The combination of juicy sausages with velvety butter beans and tomatoes creates an absolute feast for the senses. If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly crowd-pleaser that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe is calling your name. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes only 3 minutes to prep and 28 minutes to cook.
- Irresistible Flavor: Juicy sausages and tender butter beans coated in a rich tomato sauce create an unforgettable taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors make for a dish that’s not just delicious but also visually stunning.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for lunches.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with alternative sausages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 onion: This sweet bulb adds a delicious depth of flavor to your dish. Look for a medium onion for best results.
- 1 pepper: Any color works! A bell pepper adds sweetness and a nice crunch. You can substitute with a similar type if desired.
- 6-12 sausages: Your favorite type of sausage adds the hearty base. Try chicken or turkey for a lighter twist, or go for traditional pork for classic flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic puree or 1 crushed clove: Fresh garlic brings a rich aroma and taste. Use roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor if you prefer.
- 1 tbsp tomato puree: This thick paste deepens the tomato flavor. Opt for double-concentrated tomato puree for an intense taste.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a warm, smoky flavor—use sweet or smoked paprika based on your preference.
- 1 tsp thyme: This herb gives a lovely earthy note. You can swap it with Italian seasoning if it’s handy.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient adds a complex, savory kick—look for vegan options if you’re avoiding animal products.
- 1 tsp sugar: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes. You can use brown sugar or honey as alternatives.
- 1 (14 oz) can baked beans: Creamy and slightly sweet, these beans are the heart of the dish. Use any brand you love.
- 1 (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes: Juicy, sweet tomatoes add body to the sauce. Opt for fire-roasted canned tomatoes for an extra punch.
How to Make Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Prepare Vegetables: Start by cutting the onion and pepper into bite-sized pieces—chop them to your family’s preference to ensure they cook evenly and meld beautifully with the sausages.
Heat Oil: In a large frying pan with sides, heat a splash of oil over medium heat until shimmering, prepping the base for browning the sausages.
Brown Sausages: Add the sausages to the pan. Stir gently, allowing them to switch sides as they cook until they’re browned to your liking—aim for that rich, golden-brown color.
Add Onions: Once the sausages are browned on one side, toss in the chopped onion. Rotate the sausages, ensuring an uncooked side is facing down for even browning. Continue cooking until both sausages and onions are beautifully caramelized.
Mix in Peppers and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped pepper, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp garlic puree, 1 tbsp tomato puree, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp thyme. Let this cook for an additional minute, allowing the aromas to mingle.
Incorporate Sauces: Pour in the can of chopped tomatoes and baked beans, along with the 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine everything thoroughly, creating a luscious sauce.
Simmer: Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes hot all the way through.
Serve: Once it’s ready, it’s time to serve! This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and a slice of buttery bread, perfect for scooping up every last bit.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and place it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for up to 2 hours or in the refrigerator for about 3 days. If you prefer freezing, transfer it to a freezer-friendly container, where it will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly as it cools, so adding a splash of water can help refresh it!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Keep an eye on your sausages to prevent them from burning; turning them regularly helps achieve a perfect brown crust.
- Always chop your onions and peppers into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some chili flakes or using spicy sausages.
- This recipe is great for meal prep—make a big batch and store leftovers for delicious lunches all week.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste; rosemary or oregano could be delightful additions.
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and heartfelt nostalgia. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish will warm your soul and fill your belly. Don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients to match your tastes—like adding some greens, if you wish! Each bite is a hearty reminder of family meals gone by, with each forkful bringing happiness and satisfaction. Enjoy the flavors, and share with your loved ones!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the sausages for your favorite vegetarian or vegan sausage and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan. The flavors will still shine through!
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
You can certainly use fresh beans! Just remember to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the dish. This will add an additional layer of flavor.
What sides go well with this dish?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. You can also enjoy it with rice for a heartier meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd! Just ensure you have a big enough pan; it may require a bit longer to cook through, so keep an eye on it!
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
- Sheet-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken with Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes
- Creamy Mushroom Risotto
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
- Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Description
This Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a delightful comfort food that’s rich in flavor and takes minimal effort to prepare. Packed with juicy sausages, butter beans, and tomatoes, it’s an ideal dish for a quick dinner or a healthy meal that your family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 1 pepper
- A pack of your favourite sausages (6 or 8, or 12 are fine for this recipe)
- 1 tsp garlic puree (or 1 fresh, crushed clove)
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 400ml tin baked beans
- 1 400ml tin chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Cut the pepper and onion into bite-sized pieces, adjusting the size to your family's preferences.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan with sides.
- Add the sausages to the pan and stir to coat in oil, cooking until one side is browned to your liking.
- Once one side is browned, add the onions to the pan and reposition the sausages to brown the uncooked side.
- Continue cooking the sausages and onions until fully browned and caramelized.
- Add the chopped pepper, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme into the pan; stir to combine and cook for a minute.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, baked beans, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and is heated through.
- Serve hot, ideally with mashed potatoes and a slice of buttered bread.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste.
For a little extra heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes.
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
