French Sausage & Bean Casserole

This French Sausage & Bean Casserole is warm, rich, and deeply comforting. It fills the kitchen with a slow baked aroma of herbs, tomato, and savory sausage. The beans turn soft and creamy while the sauce thickens just right. This is one of those easy casseroles for dinner that feels special but stays simple. It works for busy nights, lazy dinners, and cozy weekends. If you enjoy baked casserole recipes that are filling and family friendly, this dish belongs on your table. You will want to save this one for your list of quick dinner ideas.

Ingredients

• 1 pound French style pork sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for topping

Step By Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the sausage slices on both sides.
3. Add onion to the skillet and cook until soft and lightly golden.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in chicken broth and stir well to combine.
7. Gently fold in the white beans and cannellini beans.
8. Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbling and thick.
11. Remove bay leaf, sprinkle with parsley, and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Do not skip browning the sausage. This step builds deep flavor. Avoid draining all the liquid before baking. The sauce needs moisture to thicken properly. Do not over bake uncovered or the beans can dry out. Always remove the bay leaf before serving.

Tips For Success

Use good quality sausage for the best taste. If you want a dump and go crockpot dinners style meal, you can brown the sausage first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. This also works well for cheap dinners for a family since beans stretch the meal.

If you like healthy casserole recipes, you can use turkey sausage and low sodium broth. The texture will stay creamy and light.

How To Serve

Serve this French Sausage & Bean Casserole with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It pairs well with roasted vegetables. For a full casserole night, try serving it alongside this creamy hamburger rice casserole for guests who enjoy easy casserole dishes.

Flavor Add In Ideas

Add carrots or celery for extra texture. A pinch of smoked paprika adds warmth. If you enjoy bold flavors like a chile relleno casserole, you can stir in roasted peppers for a gentle kick. Fresh thyme at the end brightens the dish.

Make Ahead And Storage

This is perfect for lazy dinners and meal prep. Assemble the casserole up to one day ahead and keep covered in the fridge. Bake when ready. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Why This Recipe Works For Busy Nights

This dish fits many needs. It works as one of those kid friendly dinners that still feels grown up. It belongs in your dinner ideas casserole list because it is simple, filling, and comforting. If you enjoy easy casseroles for dinner, this one delivers without stress.

For variety, rotate this with other baked casserole recipes like this easy low carb taco casserole or this hearty cheesy ground beef potato casserole. These are all great quick dinner ideas when time is short.

Family Friendly Meal Planning

This recipe is great for cheap dinners for a family. Beans are affordable and filling. Sausage adds rich flavor without needing much meat. If you plan weekly meals, pair this with salads, soups, or even a baked sandwich night like this reuben bake recipe.

French Sausage & Bean Casserole

A hearty French casserole with savory sausage, creamy beans, and aromatic herbs baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s easy, filling, and packed with comforting flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: French

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound French style pork sausage sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup chicken broth
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for topping

Equipment

• Baking Dish
• Skillet

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown sausage slices on both sides.
3. Add diced onion and cook until softened and lightly golden.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. Pour in chicken broth and combine.
7. Fold in the white beans and cannellini beans gently.
8. Transfer mixture to baking dish and spread evenly.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbling and thickened.
11. Remove bay leaf, top with parsley, and rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use quality sausage for best results. For a healthier version, substitute turkey sausage and low-sodium broth. Can be made ahead and stored up to 4 days, or frozen for 2 months.

FAQs

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Let it cool fully, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. This fits well with dump and go crockpot dinners.

Is this good for picky eaters?
Yes. The beans are soft, the sausage is savory, and the flavors are mild. This makes it one of those reliable kid friendly dinners.

Conclusion

This French Sausage & Bean Casserole is simple, cozy, and deeply satisfying. It works for busy nights, family meals, and relaxed weekends. The flavors are rich without being heavy. If you love easy casserole dishes that bring comfort to the table, this recipe is for you. Save it, share it, and pin it for later so it is always ready when you need a warm dinner win.