Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a dish bursting with warmth and comfort, combining hearty ingredients that create a delicious, fulfilling meal. Imagine succulent sausages nestled among tender butter beans and ripe tomatoes, all mingling together in a single tray. This easy recipe becomes a comforting hug on a chilly evening, presenting vibrant flavors that ensure everyone at the table leaves satisfied. It’s one of those meals that seems simple but tastes like it was crafted with care.
Table of Contents
I first discovered this delightful concoction during a cold winter night, aiming to whip up something quick yet tasty. I couldn’t believe how simple it was and how the savory aroma wafted through my kitchen, enticing my family to gather around the dining table. Everyone’s taste buds danced at the rich, comforting flavors. The Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake has since become a beloved choice in my home, effortlessly bringing a smile to faces and hearts alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can make this meal in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The spices mingle beautifully, creating a rich and savory experience with every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful blend of ingredients looks inviting and impressive on the dinner table.
- Flexible Serving: It’s perfect for dinner, serving as a hearty lunch, or even a casual gathering with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Swap sausages for a plant-based alternative for a delightful vegetarian dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 onion: This vegetable adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Yellow or white onions work well.
- 1 bell pepper (any color): Adds vibrancy and a slight crunch; feel free to substitute with any sweet pepper variant.
- 1 pack of your favorite sausages (6-12 sausages): Choose pork, chicken, or a plant-based option to cater to your preference.
- 1 tsp garlic puree (or 1 fresh, crushed clove): Garlic enhances the dish’s aroma and gives it a savory kick.
- 1 tbsp tomato puree: This thickens the sauce and adds a concentrated tomato flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: A dash of smoked or sweet paprika will bring warmth and depth to your meal.
- 1 tsp thyme: This herb adds an earthy flavor that complements the dish well.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This adds umami and enhances the rich flavors you’ll enjoy in the bake.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors (use brown sugar for a deeper flavor).
- 1 (14 oz) tin baked beans: These give the dish heartiness and a cozy texture.
- 1 (14 oz) tin chopped tomatoes: The base of our sauce, offering freshness and moisture.
How to Make Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Prepare the vegetables: Start by chopping the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Choosing the size depends on your family’s preferences; larger chunks offer a satisfying bite, while smaller pieces will blend more smoothly with the sausages.
Heat the oil: In a large, deep frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. This will help the sausages get a nice sear while providing a foundation for all the flavors to develop.
Brown the sausages: Add the sausages to the pan, stirring them gently to coat with the oil. Cook until one side is beautifully browned and crisp – this should take about 5 minutes, delightful aromas filling the air.
Cook with onions: Once one side is browned, toss in the chopped onion. With the sausages positioned so that an uncooked side faces down, let everything sizzle together. You’ll want to cook until the sausages are nicely browned on all sides and the onions are translucent.
Incorporate spices and veggies: After your sausages and onions have reached the desired doneness, stir in the bell pepper, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, thyme, and sugar. Cook this mixture for an additional minute, allowing the spices to permeate the dish.
Add tomatoes and beans: Gently stir in the can of chopped tomatoes, the baked beans, and Worcestershire sauce. This combination creates a thick, savory base that will envelop your ingredients as they cook.
Simmer it down: Cover the frying pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when everything is bubbling and heated through.
Serve and enjoy: This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple slice of buttered bread. Ladle the piping hot tray bake into bowls, and watch as everyone digs into this delightful comfort food!
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftovers, let the Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again. Reheat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. The texture may soften slightly, but a quick stir and a bit of extra seasoning will refresh the flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the sausages at the beginning; you’re looking for a nice brown on the outside but not dried out.
- If your onions brown too quickly, reduce the heat to prevent burning while your sausages finish cooking.
- Consider using a mix of different types of sausages for a variety of flavors and textures.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- For batch cooking, simply double the recipe and ensure you have a large enough pan to accommodate all the ingredients.
Creating the Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a delightful journey blending simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece. This recipe not only provides the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal but also the joy of flavor and warmth. Each time you make this dish, get creative—feel free to swap ingredients or add your favorite spices. So gather your loved ones around the table and serve up this hearty dish filled with love and care.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire recipe ahead of time and then just reheat it when you’re ready to serve. If you add a bit of water or broth during reheating, it will help maintain moisture.
What types of sausages work best?
You can use any type of sausage you prefer—pork, chicken, or even plant-based options. The key is to choose a sausage that you enjoy, as it will be the star of the dish!
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to incorporate veggies like zucchini, carrots, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is quite mild, but if you prefer a kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or your favorite hot pepper. It’s easy to customize the heat level to your liking!
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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, and tomato tray bake offers irresistible flavors with simple preparation, making it the ideal quick dinner or comforting meal for any occasion.
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 according to your family’s preferences.
- Heat some oil in a large frying pan with sides.
- Add the sausages, stirring to coat in the oil and cook until one side is browned to your liking.
- Add the onions once one side of the sausages is browned, stirring to have an uncooked side facing down.
- Cook the sausages and onions until each side of the sausages are cooked to your liking and the onions are nicely browned.
- Add the chopped pepper, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme, stirring to coat the sausages and onions and allow to cook for one minute.
- Stir in the tin of tomatoes, tin of beans, and tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover with a lid and allow to cook on low for a further 5-10 minutes until thickened and heated throughout.
- Serve with mashed potato and a slice of buttered white bread.
Notes
Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots or zucchini.
For a spicier kick, consider adding some chili flakes to the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the casserole
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
