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Sausages with White Beans in Tomato Sauce

This hearty sausage and white bean stew is a wonderful example of rustic Italian soul food. Combining succulent sausages with creamy cannellini beans and a rich tomato base, it offers a deeply satisfying meal that relies on simple, high-quality ingredients. The addition of fresh sage and plenty of garlic provides a fragrant, savoury depth that elevates the sauce, making it perfect for mopping up with a piece of crusty sourdough bread.

As a high-protein dish, this recipe is as nourishing as it is comforting, making it an ideal choice for a midweek family dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. It is easily scaled up to feed a crowd and tastes even better the next day once the flavours have had time to meld. For a truly authentic experience, serve it alongside a robust red wine.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Sausages with White Beans in Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed

  • 6 whole sweet Italian sausages (about 575g)

  • 1450ml cooked white beans with 120ml reserved cooking liquid (see Cannellini Beans with Garlic and Sage )

  • 1 14-to 425g can plum tomatoes in juice

  • tomatoes chopped, juice reserved

  • 2 large fresh sage sprigs

  • 240ml (or more) water

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic. Sautégarlic until golden, about 2 minutes. Add sausages; sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. Add 120ml reserved bean cooking liquid, tomatoes with juice, and sage. Simmer 5 minutes. Add beans and 240ml water. Cover and simmer until sausages are cooked through, adding more water by 60ml fuls if dry, about 30 minutes. Uncover and simmer until sauce thickens, if desired. Season with salt and pepper.

Robust, spicy Falesco 2006 Vitiano Rosso ($9).

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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