Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a cozy, hearty dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening. This British classic combines the satisfying taste of succulent sausages with tender butter beans and zesty tomatoes, creating a mouth-watering medley that’s perfect for dinner. You’ll find that each bite bursts with flavor, thanks to the aromatic spices and rich tomato sauce that envelop the ingredients. It’s not just a meal; it’s comfort food in its truest form, reminding you of home-cooked delights.
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I first came across this dish during a family gathering, and it quickly became a firm favorite. Hosting dinner parties or casual weeknight meals doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated. The one-pot wonder not only looks inviting on the table but also turns out to be an excellent conversation starter. Its ease of preparation and delightful flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a laid-back weekend, this recipe will win hearts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings!
- Irresistible Flavor: The harmony of spices and the rich tomatoes enveloping the sausages delivers a taste sensation.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant colors and homely presentation make it a standout on any dinner table.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main course or a hearty side, great for gatherings or family meals.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Try substituting with plant-based sausages to make it vegan-friendly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 onion: Provides a fragrant base and sweetness; yellow or white onions work best.
- 1 bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color—any variety (red, yellow, green) will do.
- A pack of your favorite sausages (about 6-12): Choose pork, chicken, or a plant-based option for versatility.
- 1 tsp garlic puree (or 1 fresh, crushed clove): Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is always a lovely touch.
- 1 tbsp tomato puree: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce for a rich texture.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings smokiness and a hint of heat—smoked paprika is an excellent choice for depth.
- 1 tsp thyme: This herb adds an earthy note. Dried or fresh thyme works, though dried may be easier to keep on hand.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami that takes the dish to the next level.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances acidity from tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 400ml tin baked beans: Creamy and rich, they are a hearty base for this dish.
- 1 400ml tin chopped tomatoes: Adds juiciness and creates that luscious sauce your dish craves.
How to Make Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Prep the Vegetables: Start by cutting the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. This not only serves to flavor the dish but ensures even cooking. Just think about your family’s preference—if you have little ones, smaller pieces might be a hit!
Sauté the Sausages: In a large frying pan with sides, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until one side is nicely browned. This process brings out their delicious juiciness while getting that perfect crispy edge.
Add Onions: Once you have that lovely brown crust on one side, toss in the chopped onion! Stir the sausages so an uncooked side is facing the heat. Let everything cook until the sausages are golden brown, and the onions turn translucent and start to caramelize. The aroma will have your mouth watering!
Incorporate the Peppers and Seasonings: Introduce the bell pepper to the mix, along with 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp garlic puree, 1 tbsp tomato puree, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp thyme. Stir everything gently to coat the sausages and veggies and let them simmer for about a minute. This infusion of flavors warms the kitchen and your heart.
Mix In the Tomatoes and Beans: Now it’s time to bring the dish together! Stir in your 400ml tin of chopped tomatoes, 400ml tin of baked beans, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. These will create a robust, flavorful sauce that’ll coat the sausages beautifully.
Simmer: Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until everything is bubbling around the edges and the sauce has thickened slightly. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Serve Hot: Your Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is ready to serve! Spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes or enjoy it with a couple of slices of thick white bread, slathered with butter. Trust me; it’s a winning combination!
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare with such a delicious dish), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 hours after cooking or refrigerate for up to 3 days. For freezing, pack in a suitable container and keep it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, about 8-10 minutes, adding a splash of water if necessary for moisture. Note that the texture might change slightly upon reheating, but it’ll still be delicious!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be mindful not to overcrowd the frying pan; this ensures even cooking for the sausages.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer.
- Use room-temperature sausages for even browning—taking them out of your fridge about 15 minutes before cooking helps!
- Experiment with different herbs or spices like oregano or chili flakes for a unique twist.
- This dish can be made ahead of time; let it cool before refrigerating and then reheat when ready to serve.
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is not just delightful in its straightforward preparation, it’s also rich in flavors, offering a warming dish that invites creativity. As you mix and match ingredients or add your twist, you’ll discover your perfect version of this hearty meal. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy every flavorful bite together—you won’t regret it!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different sausages?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite types of sausages—pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options all work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding chopped chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you mix the ingredients. This will give your dish an exciting kick!
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can pre-cook the entire dish and store it in the fridge. Cover it tightly and reheat when ready to serve. It’s a great option for meal prepping throughout the week!
What sides pair well with this dish?
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is delicious on its own, but servings with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread adds a satisfying touch. A fresh green salad also makes a lovely accompaniment!
More Dinner Recipes
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- Miso Salmon Rice Bowls
- Rice Cooker Burrito Bowls
- Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
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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: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a delightful and hassle-free dish, ideal for a quick dinner. Bursting with flavor from juicy sausages, vibrant vegetables, and hearty beans, it’s a comforting meal that’s simple to make and irresistibly delicious!
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 preference.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan with sides.
- Add sausages to the pan, stirring to coat in oil, and cook until one side is browned to your liking.
- Once browned on one side, add the onions and ensure an uncooked side of the sausages is facing down to brown.
- Cook the sausages and onions until the sausages are fully cooked and the onions are nicely browned.
- Stir in chopped pepper, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme, allowing to cook for a minute while coating the sausages and onions.
- Add the tin of chopped tomatoes, tin of baked beans, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
- Cover with a lid and allow to cook on low for 5-10 minutes until thickened and hot throughout.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and a slice of buttered white bread.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
Serve hot for the best flavor experience!
Great for meal prep or family dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
