Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Sausage Red Wine and Butter Bean Casserole is not just a meal - it's a culinary experience that combines rich, hearty flavors with simple, rustic ingredients. Imagine tender sausages nestled in a luxurious red wine sauce, accompanied by creamy butter beans and aromatic vegetables - a perfect one-pot wonder that promises to warm your soul and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 sausages
- 1 can butter beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 250ml red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and brown the sausages on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove sausages and set aside.
- In the same pan, add diced onions and carrots. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by one-third.
- Add chopped tomatoes, butter beans, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Return the browned sausages to the pan, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables.
- Cover the casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausages: Select high-quality, flavorful sausages for the best results. Italian or herb-infused sausages work exceptionally well.
- Don't Rush the Browning: Take time to properly brown the sausages. This step builds deep, complex flavors in the final dish.
- Wine Selection Matters: Use a medium-bodied red wine that you'd enjoy drinking. Avoid cooking wines, which can be too salty.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme during cooking.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This casserole tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
- Leftovers Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain the sauce's consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
