Beans And Franks Tuscan Style
A hearty Tuscan-style bean and sausage casserole featuring tender turkey sausage, colorful peppers, and savory tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean Italian-style turkey sausage links ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small green bell pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 15 oz low sodium red beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 15 oz low sodium Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 14 1/2 oz no salt added diced tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook sausage in a covered skillet over medium heat with 1/4 cup water until cooked through, about 8 minutes.
- Uncover and continue cooking until sausage is browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Cool slightly; cut sausage into 1/2 inch slices.
- Cook bell peppers, onion, and garlic in olive oil in a covered large skillet over medium heat until vegetables are tender and soft, about 10 minutes.
- Combine sausage, peppers, beans, diced tomatoes, and red wine in a two-quart casserole.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for about 1 hour until desired thickness.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the turkey sausage with chicken sausage or a plant-based alternative. You can also use canned beans with reduced sodium to fit your dietary needs. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the dish's spiciness. This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or pair it with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or over a bed of rice. It also makes a great filling for baked potatoes or as a topping for polenta. For more Italian flavors, consider serving it with a side of Easy Penne.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed, which helps maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans And Franks Tuscan Style contains roughly 225 calories, with 8g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2089mg per serving (91% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different bean varieties. Black beans or pinto beans can be substituted for the red beans or Great Northern beans. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed for the best flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the turkey sausage with a vegetarian sausage or omit it entirely for a plant-based version. You might also want to add more vegetables or some mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables. Additionally, using a spicy Italian sausage will also increase the heat level. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for the perfect kick!
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).