Ham, Sausage And Bean Casserole
A hearty casserole combining savory beans, tender sausage, and ham, enhanced with sweet and tangy flavors—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen lima beans ⓘ
- 3 cans baked beans (1 lb. 3 oz. each) ⓘ
- 3 cans kidney beans (about 15 1/2 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1 lb. Italian or pork sausage links ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. cooked ham, cubed ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook lima beans according to package instructions, then transfer to an ungreased 4 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Add baked beans and drained kidney beans to the casserole.
- In a skillet, cook sausage links until browned; remove and cut into slices.
- Add cooked sausage, ham cubes, and chopped onion to the casserole.
- In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, catsup, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the casserole and stir to combine.
- Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans. If you prefer a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also substitute turkey sausage for a lighter version. Make sure to not overcook the lima beans, as they should retain some firmness in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs well with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside coleslaw or roasted vegetables. It makes for excellent leftovers and is perfect for potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham, Sausage And Bean Casserole contains roughly 490 calories, with 20g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the day before and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of pork sausage?
If you're looking for a substitute for pork sausage, consider using chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option. Vegetarian sausage is also a great choice for a meatless version. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that the sausage alternative is cooked thoroughly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, omit the ham and sausage. You can replace them with additional beans, such as chickpeas or black beans, for protein. Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the flavor while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
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).