Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake serves as a cozy comfort food that brings both heartiness and flavor to the table. This dish features succulent sausages, tender butter beans, and juicy tomatoes, all combined in an easy tray bake that lets the ingredients shine. The delightful medley of textures and flavors makes this a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

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
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake

I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for an uncomplicated meal that wouldn’t compromise on taste, and boy, did it exceed my expectations! Quick to prepare and cook, it’s the go-to solution for weeknight dinners when time is tight but a delicious meal is still desired. This hearty dish brings warmth and satisfaction, making it perfect for everyone at the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 31 minutes, this dish comes together with minimal fuss.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sausage, butter beans, and tomatoes creates a savory explosion that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and peppers make this dish look as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s a dish for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank while still delivering on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 onion: Choose a medium yellow or brown onion for sweetness. You can substitute with a shallot if preferred.
1 bell pepper: A red or green pepper adds color and flavor. Feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a twist.
6-12 sausages: Use your favorite variety, such as pork, chicken, or plant-based. Each brings unique flavors to the dish.
1 tsp garlic puree or 1 fresh clove, crushed: Garlic adds aromatic depth; if you’re a garlic lover, don’t hesitate to add more!
1 tbsp tomato puree: This intensifies the tomato flavor. You could also use sun-dried tomato paste for a different flair.
1 tsp paprika: Adds warmth and a slightly smoky note. Smoked paprika works well for an extra layer of flavor.
1 tsp thyme: Fresh or dried thyme complements the other ingredients beautifully. Oregano or rosemary could be tasty substitutes.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This brings umami richness. If you’re avoiding it, soy sauce can be a decent alternative.
1 tsp sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes. You can use honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
1 (400ml) tin baked beans: Opt for plain or flavored baked beans according to your preference.
1 (400ml) tin chopped tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes save time. You could also use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand.

How to Make Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake

Prepare your ingredients: Begin by cutting your onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces that suit your family’s preferences. The uniform size allows for even cooking and robust flavor in every bite.

Heat the oil: In a large frying pan with sides, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. This is crucial for achieving that perfect brown on the sausages.

Brown the sausages: Add the sausages to the pan, turning them to coat in the oil. Cook until one side reaches your desired brownness—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes but keep an eye on them.

Add the onions: Once one side is browned, toss in the chopped onions while ensuring an uncooked side of the sausages is down to brown as well. Cook everything together until the sausages are evenly browned and the onions are soft and sweet, around 5-7 minutes.

Mix in the veg and paste: Next, add the bell pepper, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme. Stir everything well and let it cook for another minute to meld those flavors together.

Incorporate the tomatoes and beans: Now it’s time to pour in the chopped tomatoes and baked beans along with Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine and create a harmonious mixture.

Cover and simmer: Place a lid on the pan, reduce the heat, and allow it to simmer on low for 5-10 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce and warm everything through while the aromas fill your kitchen.

Serve it up: Once it’s thickened and bubbling nicely, you’re ready to serve! This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and a slice of buttered bread for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. In the fridge, it will keep well for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, where it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, reheat it in a microwave for about 3-5 minutes on medium, or warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. You may notice some slight changes in texture when reheating, but a splash of water or broth can help refresh the moisture!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the sausages in the initial browning stage; they’ll continue to cook in the sauce.
Use room temperature sausages for even cooking; cold sausages may stick together.
Feel free to customize with whatever vegetables you have—this dish is a great way to use up leftovers!
For added depth, consider incorporating a splash of red wine into the sauce while it simmers.
If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes or add spicy sausages to the mix.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its convenience but also in its adaptability. You can play around and adjust the flavors and ingredients to your liking, making it a dish you’ll want to perfect over time.

Question?

Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of butter beans, feel free to swap in other canned beans such as kidney beans or chickpeas. They all bring their own unique taste and texture.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the sausages with plant-based sausages and ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika for that hit of umami.

What should I serve with this tray bake?

This tray bake stands on its own, but it pairs exceptionally well with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad on the side can also add a refreshing crunch.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can assemble the dish a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it, or even freeze it for later use. Just follow same cooking instructions when ready to serve.

Embrace the delightful flavors of this simple yet flavorful dish, and feel free to experiment while making it your own. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve made it before, I hope you enjoy every bite!