Nonna's Meaty Baked Beans
A soul-warming Italian comfort food featuring cannellini beans, Italian sausage, and rich tomato sauce. A cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Dish Ingredients
- 3 cans cannellini beans 15 oz each, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can San Marzano tomatoes 28 oz, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Remove sausage casings and break into chunks.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Brown sausage over medium heat for 6–8 minutes. Remove if necessary to avoid crowding.
- Push sausage aside and sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and stir until it darkens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with red wine if using, then add tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in beans gently. Bring to boil, then simmer partially covered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in fresh basil, rosemary, and sage. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread, over polenta, or as a hearty side. Tastes even better the next day!