Hearty Giant Baked Beans with Savory Sausages

Oh, let me tell you about these giant baked beans… they’re not just any baked beans, they come packed with savory sausages that make them not just a side dish, but a true star on your table. Picture this: creamy, tender beans melting into a rich, slightly sweet sauce, with little pops of spice from the sausages—it’s cozy comfort food that warms your heart on those chilly evenings. Seriously, every spoonful is just… scrumptious. You’re gonna want to make this for family dinners, game days, or just a cozy night in—trust me!

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, so no one leaves the table hungry!
• The combination of flavors is just… wow, you’ve got savory, sweet, and a little bit of spice.
• Perfect for gatherings—everyone loves a big ol’ dish of baked beans!
• Customizable! Swap in different sausages or beans based on what you love or have on hand.
• Leftovers? They reheat beautifully… if you have any left, that is!

Honestly, my family fights over the last scoop, it’s that good!

What You’ll Need

• Sausages: 400g of your favorite type (I love a nice spicy Italian or even good old bangers).
• Olive oil: Just about 1 tablespoon, enough to get things sizzling.
• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped, because who doesn’t love the smell of onion cooking?
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for that aromatic kick.
• Carrots: 2, diced—adds a nice sweetness and color.
• Celery: 2 sticks, diced—gives that classic baked bean crunch.
• Canned chopped tomatoes: 400g, juicy and vibrant.
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons for that rich tomato flavor.
• Vegetable stock: 400ml for moist and flavorful beans.
• Canned white beans: 400g, drained and rinsed (I like cannellini beans!).
• Fresh herbs: A handful of thyme or rosemary, finely chopped for that fresh taste.
• Black pepper: Just to taste—don’t be shy with it.
• Salt: Again, to taste, it’s important to season, my friends!

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Cookin’!

Alright, here we go… first things first, you’re gonna want to soak those dried beans in cold water overnight. Yeah, it’s a bit of planning, but it’s so worth it! The next day, drain and rinse ’em, and then in a big pot, cover those beans with fresh water and boil… then settle it down to a simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours until they’re nice and tender. Easy peasy, right? Okay, while those beans are cooking, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Meanwhile, in a large skillet… heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions and let them soften up a bit—maybe 5 minutes is good—then stir in that lovely minced garlic for just another minute. Now, add in the canned tomatoes, a touch of brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer so the flavors start mingling wonderfully! Next, gently fold in those cooked beans, maybe call them your star ingredients. Pour everything into a big baking dish, spread it out evenly, and, here’s the best part… cover it with foil and bake for about an hour. In the last 15 minutes, take off the foil to let that top get all caramelized and toasty. Yum!

Good to Know

• Feel free to swap the beans based on what you have—kidney beans or pinto work beautifully too.
• Adjust how sweet or spicy you want it by tweaking the sugar or adding in some hot sauce.
• These beans taste even better the next day… if you have any left that is!

Serving Ideas

• Serve it with a side of crusty bread or over rice—it’s a whole meal!

Top Tricks

• If you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika before serving—it’s amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Absolutely! Canned beans can save a ton of time. Just rinse and drain them before tossing them into the mix.

What can I serve with baked beans?

They go great with sausages, a warm crusty bread, or even alongside a fresh salad to balance things out.

How do I store leftovers?

Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and they’ll be good in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I freeze baked beans?

Yes, they freeze like a charm! Just let them cool down first and then transfer into a freezer-safe container.

What substitutions can I make for the meat?

You could totally use mushrooms or add in extra veggies if you’re going for a vegetarian twist!

Conclusion

This giant baked beans recipe… it’s all about that cozy simplicity and those deep, bold flavors that invite you to return for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it’s so adaptable—you really can make it your own. Trust me, whip this up, sit back, and watch everyone enjoy it, because it’s just that good.

More recipes suggestions and combination

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Vegetable and Bean Casserole

For something a bit healthier, toss in some assorted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers—you won’t regret it.

Herbed Lentil Salad

Pair it with a refreshing herbed lentil salad for a lovely, nutritious side.

Cheesy Garlic Bread

And honestly, you just can’t go wrong serving it with cheesy garlic bread—soak up that delicious sauce!

Sausage and Bean Stew

Transform it into a hearty stew by adding extra broth and veggies, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!