Easy Fried Sausages with Beans Stew for One
Try these easy fried sausages with beans stew! It’s a simple, hearty meal that combines juicy sausages and savory beans in one pan—perfect for when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.
If you’re after a quick and flavorful stew that’s just right for one, this recipe is your answer. No leftovers, no hassle.
When you’re busy, it’s tough to whip up a filling meal. That’s where this simple one-pan stew comes in. It’s a lifesaver on those frantic evenings, with just five minutes of prep needed.
So, dive into this easy, soul-warming recipe and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness.
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Choice of Sausages: I always go for high-quality sausages because they seriously boost the stew’s flavor. If I’m aiming for something lighter, chicken or turkey sausages work great as substitutes.
- Sautéing Onions and Garlic: Never rush sautéing the onions and garlic. Cook them until they’re golden and fragrant because this step is crucial for a flavorful base in this bean stew.
- Quality of Tomato Sauce: Pick a top-notch brand or make your own if I’ve got the time. It adds so much depth to the stew.
- Beans Selection: You can stick with canned beans for convenience, choosing from kidney, black, or pinto beans depending on your mood. Also, rinse them well to get rid of the extra sodium.
- Simmering Time: Let the stew simmer well to meld all the flavors together and make the sausages super tasty and soaked in flavor.
- Storage for Leftovers: If there are leftovers, they store beautifully in the fridge and the stew even tastes better the next day. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks.
🥘 Ingredients & Substitutes
- Sausages are the star of this stew, and I use chicken sausages for a lighter touch, though pork or beef would work just as well. For those on plant-based diets, vegetarian or vegan sausages keep the dish hearty.
- Onion lays the groundwork with their sweet and savory notes, essential for the stew’s depth. If you’re out of onions, shallots or leeks are a good backup, adding a similar sweetness.
- Garlic adds a pop of aroma and a hint of heat. If you don’t have fresh garlic, half a teaspoon of garlic powder does the trick, keeping that garlicky kick.
- Tomato Sauce is the backbone of the stew, providing richness and a tangy flavor. If you’re out, crushed tomatoes or a seasoned marinara can fill in, keeping the stew rich and well-flavored.
- Canned Beans bulk it up and add a creamy texture. If you only have dried beans, they’ll need more prep but can work well. I sometimes mix it up with kidney beans, black beans, or chickpeas for different textures and flavors.
👩🍳 Directions
When I’m in the mood for something that really warms me up, I go for this bean stew with sausages. It’s simple to make, yet so satisfying and hearty.
I start with a large pan, one good for both frying and simmering. I heat a teaspoon of oil, then brown the sausages over high heat.
Once the sausages are slightly browned, I take them out and set them aside. In that same pan, using the fat left behind, I toss in the finely chopped onions and garlic.
I season them with a bit of salt and pepper and let them cook over medium heat until the onions start to caramelize, about 3-4 minutes.
Next, I add the tomato sauce and let it cook for another 5 minutes to enhance the tomato flavors.
After that, stir in the beans and put the sausages back into the pan. Give it another stir, and let it all simmer on low heat, covered, for about 15 minutes.
Serve it hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that extra burst of flavor and aroma.
🍴 How to Double the Recipe:
Just double up on everything: twice the sausages, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and canned beans. Make sure your pan is big enough to handle everything and give the ingredients room to cook properly.
You might need a few extra minutes to sauté the onions and garlic so they caramelize well, but the simmering time should stay about the same.
Keep an eye on the stew as it cooks. You might need to tweak the seasoning or consistency a bit to keep the flavors just right in the bigger batch.
🍽️ Servings
Cozy Dinner Delight
For a comforting dinner, try pairing easy-fried sausages and bean stew with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp steamed green beans.
Personally, I like to serve the stew over a mound of mashed potatoes with the green beans on the side.
A little drizzle of the stew’s sauce over the potatoes adds a great flavor boost. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness.
Rustic Bread Bowl
When I’m aiming for something a bit more visually striking, I carve out a bread bowl from a round, crusty loaf, like sourdough. It’s not only edible but adds a rustic charm. I ladle the stew right into the bread bowl and garnish it with some grated cheese and fresh herbs. The leftover bread pieces are perfect for dipping.
Light and Fresh Lunch
For a lighter option, serve the stew with a fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. It’s a nice contrast to the stew’s richness. I serve the salad on a separate plate and sometimes add a lemon wedge to the stew for an extra zing.
Brunch Special
For a late weekend brunch, I top the stew with a poached egg and serve grilled asparagus on the side. The runny yolk mixes into the stew, adding a creamy texture.
A sprinkle of smoked paprika on the egg brings some smoky flavor and vibrant color, making the dish feel luxurious and satisfying.
🍽️ Variations
Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Variation
Sometimes I use spicy chorizo instead of regular sausages to give my meals a bit of heat and smokiness. Swapping in chickpeas adds a different texture and a nutty flavor.
I also toss in a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of chili flakes to amp up the spiciness.
Italian-Inspired Variation with White Beans and Herbs
For a Mediterranean flair, I go with Italian sausages and white cannellini beans. I add fresh basil and oregano to bring out those classic Italian aromas.
A splash of red wine deepens the flavor, and a handful of fresh spinach adds color and boosts the nutrition.
Vegan-Friendly Mushroom and Lentil Stew
When cooking for vegan friends or just trying to eat less meat, I replace sausages with a mix of wild mushrooms and use lentils instead of beans.
I season with a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari for that umami depth and a squeeze of lemon for some brightness.
BBQ Sausage and Bean Stew
For a fun BBQ twist, I use smoked sausages and mix a few tablespoons of my favorite BBQ sauce into the tomato sauce.
Adding bell peppers brings a hint of sweetness and a smoky flavor, and a touch of brown sugar really enhances the BBQ vibe.
❄️ Storage
In the Refrigerator
You can keep this stew in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just let it cool down to room temperature first, then pop it into an airtight container. This keeps the flavors intact and stops it from picking up any odd smells from the fridge.
In the Freezer:
For longer storage, the stew freezes well for up to 2-3 months. I like to freeze it in portion-sized containers or bags. It saves space and makes it easy to thaw just what you need. Make sure to squeeze out all the air from the bags to avoid freezer burn.
Quick Note: Don’t forget to label each container with the date so you know how long it’s been stored.
Thawing and Reheating:
Thaw it overnight in the fridge or, for a quicker method, in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
To reheat, warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring now and then. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or broth.
In the microwave, cover the container and heat in intervals, stirring in between to make sure it warms evenly.
Additional Tips:
When you first make the stew, consider splitting it into single servings. This way, you can reheat just the amount you need each time, which cuts down on waste and keeps the stew tasting fresh.
Always give leftovers a quick check for any signs of spoilage, like a strange smell or mold, before eating.
🤔 FAQs
What If I Don’t Have Tomato Sauce?
How Can I Store Leftover Ingredients?
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
📔 Recipe Card:
Easy Fried Sausages with Beans Stew for One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 7 oz sausages
- 1 piece Onion small
- 1 clove Garlic
- salt
- Black Pepper
- ⅓ cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup Canned Beans
- green onion
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Heat oil in a large pan.1 teaspoons Olive Oil
- Cook Sausages: Fry sausages over high heat until slightly browned. Remove sausages and set aside.7 oz sausages
- Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until onions are slightly caramelized.1 piece Onion, 1 clove Garlic, salt, Black Pepper
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce and cook for 5 minutes.⅓ cup Tomato Sauce
- Combine Beans and Sausages: Add beans and mix well. Return sausages to the pan.1 cup Canned Beans
- Simmer: Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with aromatic herbs. Serve hot.green onion
Notes
- Adjusting Spiciness: If you prefer a milder stew, you can reduce or omit any additional spicy ingredients like chili flakes. For those who enjoy an extra kick, consider adding more spices or even a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Herb Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different herbs to add a unique twist to your stew. Thyme, rosemary, or sage can offer an earthy flavor, while cilantro or parsley can add a fresh note.
- Using Fresh Tomatoes: If you have fresh tomatoes on hand and time allows, you can make a tomato base from scratch. Simply chop the tomatoes and cook them down with the onions and garlic before adding the sausages and beans.
- Wine Addition: For an extra layer of flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of red or white wine after cooking the sausages. This will add depth to the stew and complement the savory components.
- Cheese Topping: Garnishing your stew with a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, before serving can add a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Bread on the Side: Serving this stew with a slice of crusty bread can make for a more filling meal and is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Portion Size: While this recipe is designed for one, it’s easy to adjust the portions for more people. Remember to increase the ingredients proportionately and use a larger pan to accommodate the larger quantity.
Nutrition
Your Turn
I’d really appreciate your thoughts on our fried sausages with beans stew recipe! If you’ve given it a try, could you please rate the recipe and share how it went in the comments?
Your feedback means a lot, not just to me, but to other home cooks as well.
