Hearty Apple-Sausage Bean Bake
This comforting Hearty Apple-Sausage Bean Bake combines savory pork sausage with sweet apple slices and rich baked beans, creating a delightful medley that warms both the heart and the stomach. A nod to nostalgic cooking, this vintage-inspired casserole is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for chilly winter evenings spent with family. The caramelized apples add a surprise twist, balancing the dish with a touch of sweetness. Serve it as a main course or a warming side dish at your next gathering!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork sausage
1 lb (bulk or casings removed)
baked beans
1 can (20 ounces) (drained)
tomato soup
0.5 can (10 ounces) (no preparation needed)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
large apple
1 (cored and sliced thinly)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Core the apple and slice it thinly; set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the pork sausage thoroughly, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4
Once the sausage is browned, stir in the baked beans, tomato soup, and black pepper until well combined.
5
Transfer the sausage and bean mixture to a greased 1.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Arrange the thin apple slices on top of the casserole in a decorative pattern.
7
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the apple slices, allowing it to create a caramelized topping while baking.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and the apples are tender.
9
Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
10
Serve warm, and enjoy this delightful combination of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Apple-Sausage Bean Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that combines savory pork sausage with sweet apple slices and rich baked beans, inspired by vintage-style cooking.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of pork sausage, either in bulk form or with the casings removed.
Can I use canned apples instead of fresh apples?
For the best texture and to achieve the decorative caramelized topping, fresh thinly sliced apples are recommended.
How should I prepare the apple?
The apple should be cored and then sliced thinly to ensure it cooks through and becomes tender during the baking process.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the Hearty Apple-Sausage Bean Bake take to cook?
The dish should bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the apples are tender.
Should the baked beans be drained?
Yes, the ingredient list specifies using one 20-ounce can of baked beans that has been drained.
What is the purpose of the tomato soup in this dish?
Tomato soup adds moisture and a rich savory flavor that complements the sausage and sweet apples.
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
Brown sugar is preferred because it contributes a deeper molasses flavor and creates a better caramelized topping on the apples.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
Is it necessary to remove sausage casings?
Yes, if you are using link sausage, you must remove the casings so the meat can be broken into bite-sized pieces.
What size casserole dish is required?
A greased 1.5-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this amount of ingredients.
Why must the dish stand for 5-10 minutes after baking?
Letting the casserole rest allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage can be used as a leaner alternative, though the flavor profile will slightly change.
Is this recipe considered a main course or a side dish?
It can be served as a hearty main course or as a warming side dish at gatherings.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper but does not specify extra salt, as sausage and canned soup usually contain enough sodium.
What kind of apples work best for baking?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are excellent choices because they hold their shape when baked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the sausage and mix it with the beans and soup ahead of time, then add the apples and bake when ready.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is the dish baked covered or uncovered?
It should be baked uncovered to allow the sugar to caramelize and the topping to brown properly.
Can I add extra spices to the mix?
Yes, additional spices like thyme, sage, or a pinch of cinnamon on the apples would complement the flavors well.
What should I do with the excess fat from the sausage?
You should drain any excess fat after browning the sausage to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole, though the texture of the apples may be softer upon reheating.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
You would need to check the labels of your pork sausage, baked beans, and tomato soup to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How do I arrange the apples on top?
The instructions suggest arranging the thin apple slices in a decorative pattern to enhance the visual appeal.
What if I don't have a 1.5-quart dish?
You can use a slightly larger dish, like a 2-quart dish, though the baking time may decrease slightly as the mixture will be spread thinner.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger 9x13 inch baking pan, though you may need to increase the bake time slightly.
Does this dish have a specific seasonal theme?
The recipe is tagged for winter and comfort food, making it perfect for chilly evenings.
Can I add onions or garlic?
Adding chopped onions or minced garlic while browning the sausage would add another layer of savory flavor.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for individual portions.