Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake is a comforting dish that combines hearty sausages, creamy butter beans, and juicy tomatoes into an easy-to-make casserole. There’s something truly satisfying about this dish; when you pull it out of the oven, the aroma alone is enough to whet your appetite. It’s a one-pan meal, making both cooking and cleaning a breeze, which is especially appealing during busy weeknights.
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I first discovered this delightful combination during a family dinner when time was short, and I needed to satisfy a ravenous crowd. The blend of flavors—a little savory, a touch sweet, and all-around comforting—made it an instant hit. The beauty of the Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake lies in its simplicity. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for both a busy weeknight dinner and a cozy family gathering. I can’t wait for you to try it out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 31 minutes—perfect for when you’re short on time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The sausage’s savory richness combined with the sweet and tangy tomato sauce creates a truly cozy dish.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish looks beautiful served straight from the oven, with its vibrant colors and texture.
- Flexible Serving: Great for a weeknight family dinner or served alongside warm crusty bread for a food-filled gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free sausages.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium onion, diced for a sweet, fragrant base.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped to add vibrant color and a slight crunch. Use red or yellow for sweetness!
- 1 pack of your favourite sausages (about 6 to 12 sausages), the heart of the dish; choose chicken, pork, or even vegetarian options for a lighter version.
- 1 tsp garlic puree (or 1 fresh clove, crushed) for depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp tomato puree to enhance the tomato richness in the dish.
- 1 tsp paprika, providing a subtle warmth and depth.
- 1 tsp dried thyme for a lovely herbal note.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, adding a savory umami kick.
- 1 tsp sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 (14 oz) can butter beans, contributing creamy texture and protein.
- 1 (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes to create a luscious sauce.
How to Make Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
Chop: Begin by cutting the onion and pepper into bite-sized pieces. You can adjust the size based on your family’s preferences; smaller pieces will cook faster!
Heat Oil: In a large frying pan (one with sides is best), heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. This will help brown the sausages perfectly.
Brown Sausages: Add the sausages to the pan. Stir to coat them in the oil, cooking until one side is browned to your liking—about 5-7 minutes.
Add Onions: Once one side is nice and brown, toss in the diced onions. Stir the sausages to expose an uncooked side so that it can also brown nicely.
Continue Cooking: Cook the sausages and onions together until the sausages are browned all over and the onions have turned golden and softened—about another 5-7 minutes.
Incorporate Veggies & Spices: Next, add in the chopped bell pepper, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp garlic puree, 1 tbsp tomato puree, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp thyme. Stir everything together, letting those flavors mingle for a minute.
Combine Tomatoes & Beans: Pour in the entire can of chopped tomatoes and butter beans along with 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Simmer: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low, letting it simmer for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together while the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve: Time to enjoy! Serve hot, ideally alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a couple of slices of buttered bread for mopping up that delicious sauce.

Storing & Reheating
For storing leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months; just make sure to portion it out into freezer-friendly containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until steaming hot. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil can help refresh it when reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the sausages initially; you’ll finish cooking them in the sauce.
- If you prefer a fresher taste, toss in some fresh herbs like parsley right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use room temperature sausages for even cooking. If they’ve been in the fridge, let them sit out for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- If you plan to make this ahead of time, cook until just before adding the beans; then, cool and store in the fridge to finish cooking the next day.
- To adjust spice levels, feel free to add crushed red pepper or serve with hot sauce for those who like it spicy.
Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake makes the all-star lineup for an easy dinner recipe that combines comfort with deliciousness. You can mix it up with different vegetables, play with herbs, and even switch up your choice of sausages. Each bite is a warm hug of flavor! I encourage you to dive into this delightful dish and maybe even make it your own.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of sausages?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork, or plant-based sausages depending on your dietary preference. Each type will lend its unique flavor to the dish.
What side dishes pair well with this?
This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you’re looking for sides, consider serving it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad to add freshness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers. Just let them cool before storing in an airtight container. The dish will be good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How can I enhance the flavor?
If you want to kick the flavor up a notch, add in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a spoonful of pesto just before serving. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also elevate the dish beautifully!
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📖 Recipe Card

Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage, Butter Bean & Tomato Tray Bake combines irresistible flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick and comforting dinner. Enjoy the heartiness of sausages and the richness of butter beans in a tomato sauce, sure to please your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 1 pepper
- A pack of your favourite sausages (6 or 8, or 12 are fine for this recipe)
- 1 tsp garlic puree (or 1 fresh, crushed clove)
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 400ml tin baked beans
- 1 400ml tin chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Cut the pepper and onion into bite-sized pieces based on your family's preferences.
- Heat some oil in a large frying pan with sides.
- Add the sausages to the pan, stirring to coat them in oil, and cook until one side is browned to your preference.
- Once one side is browned, add the onions and stir so the uncooked side of the sausages faces down.
- Cook the sausages and onions until they are both browned to your liking.
- Add the chopped pepper, sugar, garlic puree, tomato puree, paprika, and thyme, stirring to coat the sausages and onions, and let it cook for a minute.
- Stir in the tin of chopped tomatoes, the tin of baked beans, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover with a lid and cook on low for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened and hot throughout.
- Serve hot, preferably with mashed potatoes and buttered white bread.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more paprika or using spicy sausages.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it great for meal prep.
Experiment with different types of sausages for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
