Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is an inviting dish that brings a comforting warmth to the table. Combining juicy sausages with hearty butter beans and vibrant tomatoes, this tray bake bursts with flavor, making it an irresistible choice for families and gatherings alike. It’s the comforting hug of food that satisfies on chilly evenings or during busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a quick yet satisfying meal to whip up after a long day. Its simplicity won me over immediately. Within just 31 minutes, from prep to plate, you too can enjoy a delightful dish that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re serving it up to family or sharing it with friends, I guarantee it will become a cherished staple in your home. Let’s dive in and create a meal that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 3 minutes of prep and 28 minutes of cooking, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of the savory sausages, sweet tomatoes, and creamy butter beans creates a delightful taste sensation.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful medley of ingredients makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect not just for dinner but can also be served as a filling lunch or snack the next day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt it to be gluten-free or swap in veggie sausages for a lighter option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 onion: Adds a sweet, savory base flavor. A yellow onion works beautifully, but a red onion can offer a mild sweetness.
- 1 pepper: Bell peppers add color and crunch. Feel free to use any color; green, red, yellow, or orange all contribute their unique flavors.
- 1 pack of your favorite sausages (6-8): Choose your preferred variety—pork, chicken, or even plant-based for a lighter meal. They provide the heartiness of the dish.
- 1 tsp garlic puree (or 1 fresh, crushed clove): Garlic adds aromatic depth. Fresh garlic is always a winner but minced garlic works too.
- 1 tbsp tomato puree: Concentrated flavor booster that enhances the tomato base. If you don’t have tomato puree, a can of crushed tomatoes can substitute.
- 1 tsp paprika: Offers a warm, smoky touch. For a kick, consider using smoked paprika instead.
- 1 tsp thyme: This herb infuses the dish with earthiness. Dried thyme works fine, but fresh thyme can be more vibrant.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, opt for soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity from the tomatoes. Honey or maple syrup can serve as good substitutes.
- 1 400ml tin baked beans: The creamy texture complements the sausages beautifully. Aim for reduced-sugar varieties if preferred.
- 1 400ml tin chopped tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce. San Marzano tomatoes elevate the flavor, but any brand will do.
How to Make Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Prepare the vegetables: Begin by cutting the onion and pepper into bite-sized pieces, just the right size for your family’s preferences.
Heat the oil: In a large frying pan with sides, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
Brown the sausages: Add the sausages to the pan, stirring to coat them evenly in oil. Cook until one side is browned, checking for golden edges.
Add onions and stir: Once the sausages are brown on one side, toss in the chopped onion. Stir the sausages so that an uncooked side faces down to achieve an even brown.
Cook until beautifully browned: Keep cooking the sausages and onions until each side is nicely browned and the onions are translucent and caramelized. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients: Introduce the chopped peppers, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme into the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the sausages and onions, allowing it to cook for about one minute.
Incorporate the tomatoes and beans: Pour in the tin of chopped tomatoes and the baked beans, followed by the tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix the ingredients well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover and simmer: Place a lid on the pan and allow it to cook on low for another 5-10 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce and warm everything through until hot and bubbling.
Serve and enjoy: It’s finally time to plate up! This dish pairs superbly with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple slice of buttered bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. To keep them fresh, transfer to the refrigerator, where they can last for about 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tray bake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling. Just a heads up, the texture might change slightly, but a splash of water can help refresh the moisture!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure the sausages are even in size for consistent cooking.
- If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to add in zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients!
- Avoid overcrowding the pan by cooking in batches if necessary, which helps achieve better browning.
- Allow the dish to cool before sealing in an airtight container for refrigerating or freezing, which prevents condensation and sogginess.
- Tweak the spices based on your family’s preferences; a little chili powder can add a nice kick!
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake not only makes your dinner prep easy, but it’s a dish that’s full of flavor and heartiness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients according to your tastes or what you have on hand. This cozy casserole will warm your hearts and fill your bellies. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen sausages?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are fully cooked and heated through before serving. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
How can I make this vegetarian?
To adapt it for vegetarian diets, swap the sausages for plant-based ones. You can also add extra beans or lentils to maintain the protein content.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, consider adding carrots, spinach, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on which veggies you choose.
What can I serve with it?
This hearty bake pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread for dipping, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Enjoy!
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📖 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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a delightful blend of savory sausages, tender butter beans, and ripe tomatoes. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy family meal, it offers rich flavors with minimal prep, making it a favorite for all who cherish homemade comfort food.
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 based on preferences.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan with sides.
- Add the sausages to the pan, stirring to coat in the oil until one side is browned.
- Once one side is browned, add onions to the pan and stir to brown the other side of the sausages.
- Cook until both sides of the sausages are browned and the onions are nicely caramelized.
- Add the chopped pepper, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme to the pan, stirring to coat everything and allowing to cook for a minute.
- Stir in the tin of tomatoes, tin of beans, and tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened and heated thoroughly.
- Serve hot, ideally with mashed potatoes and buttered bread.
Notes
Feel free to use your favorite type of sausages for more flavor.
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or fresh bread for dipping.
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
