Sausage-Bean Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining tender beans, savory sausage, and smoky ham, all baked in a tangy tomato and brown sugar sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, offering a comforting blend of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook lima beans as directed on the package; drain.
- Turn the cooked lima beans into an ungreased 4 1/2 quart casserole dish.
- Add baked beans and kidney beans to the casserole.
- In a covered skillet, simmer sausages in a small amount of water for 5 minutes.
- Drain the liquid from the skillet; pan-fry sausages until browned on all sides.
- Cut each sausage into 2 or 3 pieces; add with ham to the beans in the casserole.
- Stir together the remaining ingredients: tomato sauce, catsup, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the casserole ingredients.
- Gently mix all ingredients together.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using canned beans instead of dried. You can also substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you like a bit more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture. This casserole is versatile and can be adapted to fit various tastes, making it a great addition to your collection of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Sausage-Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or cornbread on the side. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables. It's also great for potlucks or family gatherings. If you enjoy this dish, you might also like Cheese-Ham Pie for another comforting option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage-Bean Casserole contains roughly 322 calories, with 14g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 827mg per serving (36% 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 a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use if I don't have lima beans?
If you don't have lima beans on hand, you can substitute them with frozen green beans or peas. They will provide a similar texture and flavor, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they're tender.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and ham. You can replace them with sautéed mushrooms or use a meat substitute. The beans will still provide a hearty base, and you can enhance the flavor with additional spices or smoked paprika.
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).