A Crock Of Beans And Meatless Sausage
A hearty, flavorful crock-pot dish combining beans, meatless sausage, and savory seasonings. The sweet honey and smoky barbecue sauce create a comforting meal perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, served over rice or grains for a satisfying, plant-based dinner option.
Ingredients
- 2 qt. canned Northern beans ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/4 c. honey
- 3/4 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 c. barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1 pkg. meatless sausage patties ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 pkg. Green Giant New England-style frozen vegetables ⓘ
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the crock-pot.
- Cook on high until thickened, about 4 to 6 hours.
- Serve over brown rice, barley, or bulgur wheat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the crock-pot. You can substitute agave syrup for honey if desired. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Experiment with different varieties of beans or even add some diced vegetables for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with brown rice, barley, or bulgur wheat as a base. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread. It also works well alongside Loretta'S Red Rice for a flavorful combination. Top with fresh herbs for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Microwaving is also an option; just ensure to stir halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A Crock Of Beans And Meatless Sausage contains roughly 1408 calories, with 85g protein, 263g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (371% of the Daily Value), iron (197% of the Daily Value), and protein (169% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 684mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans; however, you'll need to soak and pre-cook them to ensure they are tender. Adjust the cooking time in the crock-pot accordingly, as dried beans typically require longer to cook than canned beans.
What can I substitute for meatless sausage patties?
If you don't have meatless sausage, you can use crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils for a similar texture. Alternatively, adding mushrooms can also provide a savory, hearty flavor that complements the beans well.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture before cooking. For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or even some chipotle in adobo sauce to the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).