Mediterranean Smoked Sausages with Beans
This Mediterranean Smoked Sausage and Bean dish is hearty, flavorful, and ready in no time. It brings together smoky chicken Italian sausages, tender cannellini beans, and a mix of aromatic vegetables simmered in a tomato base. The result is a rich, comforting meal that feels like a rustic Mediterranean stew but comes together easily on a weeknight. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
1 lb chicken Italian sausages (removed from casings)
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the sausage:
Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sausage (removed from casings) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
Sauté vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the same pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add tomatoes and beans:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the rinsed cannellini beans. Mix to combine.
Season:
Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Simmer:
Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors blend together.
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like.
Tips:
Browning the sausage:
Let the sausage sit undisturbed for the first minute or two before stirring. This helps develop a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Drain excess fat wisely:
Chicken sausage tends to be lean, but if you use pork or beef sausage instead, drain any extra fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan:
A large skillet or Dutch oven works best. It helps prevent scorching and ensures even cooking.
Don’t overcook the beans:
Cannellini beans are delicate. Add them after the vegetables soften, and simmer gently so they stay creamy, not mushy.
Adjusting the sauce consistency:
If you like a thicker mixture, simmer a few minutes longer to let the liquid reduce. For a stew-like texture, add ¼ cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth.
Add depth with smoked paprika:
A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes adds a subtle smoky heat that complements the sausage beautifully.
Variations:
Use different sausages:
Swap chicken sausage with turkey, beef, or even plant-based sausage for a different twist.
Change up the beans:
Try chickpeas, kidney beans, or butter beans if you don’t have cannellini on hand. Each brings a unique texture.
Add more veggies:
Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach work great for extra nutrients and color. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
Make it spicy:
Stir in a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to give the dish some kick.
Turn it into a stew:
Add 1–2 cups of chicken broth and simmer longer for a cozy sausage and bean stew—perfect for colder days.
Mediterranean flair:
Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta or fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with this?
Crusty bread, rice, couscous, or quinoa all work great. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Use a plant-based sausage or add extra beans and vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to replace the sausage.
Q: How can I make it more Mediterranean in flavor?
Add a splash of olive oil at the end, some kalamata olives, or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving for that signature Mediterranean finish.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 310
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Sugar: 5g
Note: Values can vary depending on the brand of sausage and beans used.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Smoked Sausages with Beans is a simple, flavorful, and wholesome meal that balances protein, fiber, and comfort in every bite. It’s a one-pan wonder that fits weeknight cooking yet feels special enough for guests. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it as is, this dish brings Mediterranean warmth to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.