Name: Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: British
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

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Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavors of sausage with creamy butter beans and something quite special: the rich sweetness of tomatoes. Each bite warms you from the inside out, making this a go-to recipe for chilly evenings or any time you’re craving comfort food. The colorful medley of ingredients not only tastes great, but it also makes an inviting centerpiece for your dinner table.

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 amazing recipe when I was looking for something quick yet satisfying to serve on a busy weeknight. The appeal of just tossing everything together and letting it bake, along with the aromas wafting through the kitchen, hooked me immediately. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and an absolute crowd-pleaser at home. Plus, everyone loves it, from the kids to picky eaters! I invite you to create this cozy dish and experience the joy it brings to your family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just a 3-minute prep time and 28 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a warm dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The savory, juicy sausages paired with the sweetness of butter beans and tang of tomatoes create a flavor explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant mix of onions, peppers, and colorful tomatoes makes this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner, cozy gatherings, or even meal prep for the week—it’s versatile!
Diet-Friendly Options: It can be easily adapted to accommodate various dietary needs, making it suitable for all.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 onion: A yellow onion adds sweetness and depth; feel free to substitute with a red onion for a milder taste.
1 bell pepper: Choose a bell pepper of your favorite color (red, yellow, or green) for added sweetness and crunch.
About 12 oz. of your favorite sausages: Pork or chicken sausages work well; a vegetarian option can be used for a meat-free variation.
1 tsp garlic puree (or 1 fresh, crushed clove): Enhances the flavor and provides a fragrant aroma.
1 tbsp tomato puree: This thickens the sauce and boosts the tomato flavor, making the dish rich and flavorful.
1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the dish.
1 tsp dried thyme: Infuses the dish with warm herbal notes. Fresh thyme can substitute for a more robust flavor.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This brings in umami depth and complexity.
1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded flavor.
1 400ml tin baked beans: These offer creaminess and protein, making the tray bake heartier.
1 400ml tin chopped tomatoes: The base of the sauce that ties everything together, creating a luscious, comforting sauce.

How to Make Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake

Prep the Veggies: Start by chopping the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Tailor the size to your family’s preference, ensuring they cook evenly and enhance the overall texture.

Cook the Sausages: Heat a splash of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausages, ensuring they are well coated in oil. Sear them until one side is beautifully browned; you’re looking for a lovely golden color here.

Add Onions to Sauté: Once one side of the sausages is browned, toss in the chopped onion. Stir the sausages so an uncooked side is face down; this will help get all sides nicely browned.

Combine Veggies and Seasonings: Let the sausages and onions cook until they are golden brown and the onions have softened. Then, introduce the pepper, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme. Mix well and allow them to cook for about a minute, letting those flavors meld.

Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the contents of the chopped tomatoes tin along with the baked beans and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything until evenly combined, creating a colorful and wholesome mixture.

Simmer Together: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and heat through. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and fragrant throughout your kitchen.

Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is nicely heated, it’s time to serve your Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake! We love pairing this dish with creamy mashed potatoes and buttered white bread for that classic British comfort meal.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you wish to preserve it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When it’s time to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Just a bit of added water or broth can help restore moisture if it appears a little thick.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the sausages in the pan to allow for even browning on each side.
For a burst of flavor, let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Use room temperature ingredients, especially the sausages, to ensure even cooking throughout.
Consider adding a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs as a topping just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
This dish is perfect for making ahead; simply hold off on cooking until you’re ready to serve, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep.

Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is not only easy and satisfying but also allows for lots of room to personalize based on your family’s tastes. Feel free to add in extra veggies or spices to the mix!

What kind of sausage works best in this recipe?

Whether you prefer pork, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages, the best sausage is one that you enjoy! Consider flavor profiles; spicy or herbed sausages add more depth, while milder options provide a more neutral background for the dish’s flavors.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can! If you choose to use dried beans, make sure to soak and cook them beforehand. Canned beans save time and help achieve that creamy texture right off the bat, making them a convenient option.

How do I know when the dish is fully cooked?

The sausages should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The dish should be pleasantly bubbling and thickened up slightly; if the sauce is too runny, allow it to simmer longer with the lid off.

Can I customize this recipe further?

Absolutely! It’s a flexible recipe, so feel free to get creative! Add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or switch up the spices to suit your taste. Just remember not to compromise on the balance of flavors. Enjoy making it your own!

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