Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This delightful twist on a classic casserole brings together juicy sausages, tender butter beans, and rich tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that have a way of filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. You can easily whip this dish together with minimal fuss, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying but lack the time for elaborate cooking.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake

I first stumbled upon this recipe while trying to impress a few friends for dinner. Their reactions of pure delight when they took their first bites convinced me that I had found something special. Each spoonful is not only tasty but also visually appealing, showcasing beautiful colors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving something delicious, this Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake guarantees to please. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 31 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and tangy tomatoes creates a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright colors and delicious textures make this dish as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need comfort food.
Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 onion: Yellow or white onions work best, providing sweetness and aroma.
1 bell pepper: Any color you prefer—red, yellow, or green adds both crunch and color.
6–8 of your favorite sausages: Choose your preferred variety, whether it’s pork, chicken, or a meat alternative for a vegetarian twist.
1 teaspoon garlic puree (or 1 fresh, crushed clove): Fresh garlic delivers a wonderful bite; however, the puree is time efficient.
1 tablespoon tomato puree: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
1 teaspoon paprika: This gives a smoky undertone; smoked paprika is a fantastic option if you like deeper flavors.
1 teaspoon thyme: Fresh or dried thyme elevates the dish, offering an aromatic touch.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash of this sauce deepens the savory notes.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and beans, brightening the flavor profile.
1 (14-ounce) can baked beans: Stick to the classic variety for a comforting texture.
1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes: Opt for no-salt-added versions for better control over seasoning.

How to Make Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake

Chop the Vegetables: Start by cutting the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, adjusting the size based on your family’s preferences. This step not only preps for cooking but also gets your kitchen smelling wonderful.

Heat the Oil: Grab a large frying pan with sides and heat a bit of oil over medium heat. This is essential for giving the sausages a gorgeous golden brown exterior.

Brown the Sausages: Add the sausages to the hot pan, ensuring they’re evenly coated with oil. Cook them until one side is nicely browned, sizzling away while your kitchen fills with irresistible scents.

Add Onions: Once the sausages have browned on one side, toss in the chopped onion while turning the sausages to brown another side. Cook until both the onions become translucent and the sausages are browned to your preference.

Stir in the Flavor: Next, include the bell pepper, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme. Stir well to coat the sausages and onions, allowing everything to cook together for about a minute, infusing the pan with fantastic flavors.

Combine Everything: It’s time to add the chopped tomatoes and baked beans along with the tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, letting the mixture bubble with anticipation.

Simmer: Cover the pan with a lid and lower the heat. Allow everything to simmer on low for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture has thickened and heated through, ensuring a comforting, cohesive dish.

Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is warm and inviting, it’s time to serve! This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and a slice of buttered bread, creating a satisfying meal that’s sure to hit the spot.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the tray bake cool before transferring it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Simply pack it into a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat on the stove over medium heat until heated through, around 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, so consider adding a splash of water or broth to refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your sausages are browned well for extra flavor, as this step enhances the dish’s richness.
Use fresh herbs when possible, as they offer a vibrant taste compared to dried ones.
For extra creaminess, consider stirring in a tablespoon of cream or crème fraîche before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning sausages; this can cause them to steam instead of brown.
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added nutrition; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later—this dish is perfect for meal prep!

Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. This dish celebrates simplicity and satisfaction, making it a perfect fit for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or showcasing it during a get-together, it promises comfort and flavor in every bite. So gather those ingredients, and let the cooking begin!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of sausages?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausages for a vegetarian version. Just ensure they’re cooked fully according to package instructions.

What can I serve with this dish?

While mashed potatoes and buttered bread are classic accompaniments, this dish also pairs beautifully with rice, crusty rolls, or a simple green salad for a fresh contrast.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while stirring in the tomato products. Adjust it to your preferred spice level!

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge before the simmering step. When you’re ready to serve, finish cooking it as directed—it’ll save you time and make for a stress-free dinner!

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Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 31 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: British

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Description

This Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is packed with delicious flavors and requires minimal prep time. A perfect choice for a comforting, homemade meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Cut the onion and pepper into bite-sized pieces based on family preferences.
Heat oil in a large frying pan with sides.
Add the sausages and cook, stirring to coat in the oil, until one side is browned to your preference.
Once one side is browned, add the onions to the pan and stir the sausages so an uncooked side is facing down to brown.
Cook until both sides of the sausages are to your liking and the onions are browned.
Add the chopped pepper, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme to the pan. Stir to coat the sausages and onions, cooking for another minute.
Stir in the tin of chopped tomatoes, baked beans, and Worcestershire sauce.
Cover with a lid and allow to cook on low heat for 5-10 minutes until thickened and heated through.
Serve hot, ideally with mashed potatoes and buttered bread.

Notes

Feel free to use any type of sausages you prefer; chicken or vegetarian options work well too.
Adjust the spices to suit your taste; add more paprika for extra warmth or different herbs for varied flavors.
This dish can be easily adapted with seasonal vegetables for added nutrition.