Hi there! If you’re looking for a warm, cozy meal that’s super easy and full of flavor, you’ll love this Chicken Sausage and Bean Casserole. I made it all in one pan (yes, just ONE!), and it’s the perfect mix of comfort food and healthier ingredients. Instead of using regular sausage, I used Italian-style chicken sausage less fat, but still full of taste. The beans make it filling, and the tomato sauce brings it all together in the yummiest way. Let’s get cooking!
Method
Chop It Up
First, finely chop the yellow onion and garlic cloves. These will be the flavorful base of the casserole, so take your time with this step to get small, even pieces. The garlic adds a rich, savory smell, and the onion gives a nice sweetness once cooked.
Cook the Sausages
In a large pan or casserole dish, add a small drizzle of cooking oil over medium heat. Place the chicken sausages into the pan and let them cook, turning them regularly so they brown evenly on all sides. This step is important it helps the sausages get that delicious golden color and locks in flavor. Once they’re fully cooked and browned (this takes about 8–10 minutes), remove them from the pan and place them on a cutting board. Let them cool slightly, then slice them into thick rounds. This step is optional, but I think it makes the final dish look more appealing and allows the sausages to soak up more of the sauce.
Sauté the Base
Using the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. If the pan is a bit dry, feel free to add a touch more oil. Sprinkle in the Italian herbs and stir everything together. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent this means it’s soft and cooked through but not browned. The herbs will become more fragrant as they warm up, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing.
Add the Flavor
Once the onions are ready, pour in the can of tomato sauce. Stir everything together, then add the Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. This step really deepens the flavor of the casserole. Let the mixture simmer gently on medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens slightly and looks rich and smooth. Don’t let it boil too hard you want a slow simmer so the flavors blend nicely.
Final Mix
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the sliced sausages back into the pan, along with the borlotti beans (make sure to drain and rinse the beans first). Give everything a gentle stir so the beans and sausage are coated in the tomato sauce. Pour in the chicken stock start with 200ml and add more if the sauce seems too thick. Let the whole mixture simmer for another 5–8 minutes, just long enough for everything to warm through and for the flavors to mix. The sausage will soak up that tasty sauce, and the beans will become even creamier.
Necessary Tools
- 1 large pan or casserole dish
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
🫘🌭🥘 Chicken Sausage and Bean Casserole; A Cozy, High-Protein One-Pan Meal for the Whole Family!
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
10 Italian-flavored chicken sausages
1 yellow onion
1 can of borlotti beans
5 garlic cloves
1 can of good quality tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian herbs
1–2 bay leaves
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cube chicken stock (dissolved in 200–300ml hot water)
Optional but delicious:
Toasted cheese bread for dipping!
Directions
- Chop It Up: Start by finely chopping your onion and garlic.
- Cook the Sausages: Add a little oil to your pan and cook the chicken sausages, turning them until brown on all sides. Once they’re done, take them out and (if you want) slice them into rounds. I think they look better that way and soak up more flavor!
- Sauté the Base: In the same pan, add your onion, garlic, and Italian herbs. Cook until the onion turns soft and see-through (this means it’s ready).
- Add the Flavor: Pour in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Let everything simmer together until the sauce gets a bit thicker.
- Final Mix: Add back the sausages and stir in the borlotti beans. Let them warm through and soak up all those cozy, yummy flavors.
Notes
- Don’t skip browning the sausages it helps them get that golden color and extra flavor!
- Let the tomato sauce simmer until it thickens just a bit; if you rush this step, the dish might turn out too watery.
- When adding the chicken stock, start with 200ml and add more only if the sauce seems too thick.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is already tasty on its own, but I really recommend serving it with toasted cheese bread! The crunch and gooey cheese take things to the next level. You can also pair it with a side salad or steamed greens for extra balance.
Fun Fact
Did you know borlotti beans are also called cranberry beans? They have beautiful red spots before they’re cooked and are super popular in Italian cooking!
Conclusion
This Chicken Sausage and Bean Casserole has quickly become one of my go-to meals. It’s easy, filling, and packed with protein and clean-up is a breeze thanks to the one-pan method! I hope your kitchen smells amazing and your belly feels happy after trying this dish. 😊 Let me know how it turns out or if you added your own twist!
