German-Italian Beans
A hearty German-Italian bean dish combining flavorful sausages, fresh green beans, mushrooms, and potatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners and flavor-packed gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. German sausage, cut in bite size pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage, cut in bite size pieces ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, sliced and separated into rings ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh green beans, halved ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed sweet basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed summer savory leaves
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can beef consomme ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- small new potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Place sausages in a skillet and brown on all sides.
- Remove sausages from the skillet.
- Add onions and green beans to the pan drippings and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until onions are transparent.
- Add basil, savory, seasoned salt, pepper, beef consomme, sliced mushrooms, and potatoes; mix well.
- Return sausages to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, or until beans and potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the liquid with cornstarch if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked sausage for a deeper taste. You can substitute the fresh green beans with frozen ones if fresh isn't available, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausages and vegetable broth instead of beef consomme. Also, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a potato salad for a more filling spread. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a comforting main dish, perfect for chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave the dish in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German-Italian Beans contains roughly 314 calories, with 12g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (26% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1155mg per serving (50% 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 sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix and match sausages based on your preference. For instance, swapping in some spicy sausage can add a nice kick, or using chicken sausage can lighten the dish. Just ensure the total weight remains the same.
How do I know when the beans and potatoes are cooked properly?
The beans should be tender but still bright green, while the potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork. If they are still firm, continue simmering and check every few minutes until they reach the desired tenderness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, allow it to cool, and then store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious!
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).