Pizza Beans
A hearty and flavorful bean and sausage dish with Italian herbs, olives, and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners or gatherings craving comforting, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and rinse pinto beans and kidney beans; place in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
- In a skillet, brown Italian sausage, breaking into small pieces.
- Add the cooked sausage to the beans.
- Add a little oil to the sausage fat and sauté chopped onion and chopped green pepper in it.
- Add sautéed vegetables, drained sliced ripe olives, canned tomatoes, salt, crushed oregano, sweet basil, and garlic powder to the cooker or oven.
- Break up the canned tomatoes with a spoon and mix all ingredients well.
- If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
- If using a Dutch oven, cook for 2 to 3 hours to blend flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage or turkey sausage as a healthier alternative. You can substitute black beans or cannellini beans for the pinto and kidney beans. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; try adding chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving. For a quicker option, use canned diced tomatoes with herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pizza Beans with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad, like a Marvelous Salad, for a complete dinner. For a fun appetizer, consider serving it with tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pizza Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Beans contains roughly 957 calories, with 50g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (224% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (116% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 674mg per serving (29% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and consider adding more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for flavor. You can also add a plant-based protein like tempeh or lentils to maintain heartiness in the dish.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, use mild Italian sausage instead of hot, or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Alternatively, fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can be added if you enjoy more heat.
Is there a way to make Pizza Beans in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Pizza Beans a day ahead. After cooking, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
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).