Sausage And Bean Casserole(Microwave)
A hearty microwave sausage and bean casserole packed with smoky flavors, sweet tomato sauce, and tender ham, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 small onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb smoked Polish sausage, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 cans navy or small white beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 lb fully cooked ham, cut into 3/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Place sliced onions in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Microwave on High for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, stirring once.
- Stir in remaining ingredients: sausage, beans, ham, tomato sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, brown sugar, salt, mustard, and pepper.
- Cover and microwave on High for 5 minutes.
- Stir and re-cover, then reduce microwave to Medium-high.
- Microwave for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring twice, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions with a bit of garlic before microwaving. You can substitute the smoked Polish sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option, or use canned beans if you're short on time. If you want a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This dish can easily be adjusted to fit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty option. For a comforting touch, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage And Bean Casserole(Microwave) contains roughly 270 calories, with 8g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1128mg per serving (49% 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 for this casserole?
Absolutely! While navy or small white beans are traditional, you can use kidney beans, black beans, or even chickpeas to suit your taste. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before adding to the casserole for the best flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the sausage and ham with plant-based alternatives like tempeh or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When you're ready to cook, just microwave it according to the instructions, allowing for a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
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).