Greek Sausage and Beans Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that feels like a comforting Greek hug, you’re in for a treat with this Greek Sausage and Beans recipe! Inspired by rustic village cooking but tailored for busy kitchens, this dish brings together tender beans, savory sausage, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs—all crowned with creamy feta and fresh lemon zest. Whether you use pantry staples or indulge in imported feta, there’s something irresistibly good about its warm, savory depth and bright, zesty finish. Best of all, it’s astonishingly simple—let the oven do most of the work and have a Mediterranean feast ready to impress, even on your most hectic weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes up the heart and soul of this Greek classic, plus some quick thoughts on each:

• Gigantes or Butter Beans: The soul of the recipe. They turn deliciously creamy—canned beans work just fine if you’re short on time.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For richness, Greek flavor, and silkiness. Don’t skimp—quality makes a difference!
• Bulk Italian Sausage: Brings robust, herby savoriness. Choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.
• Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic aromatic base—builds natural sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Lots of it. Provides a crave-worthy aroma and punch.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the sauce—don’t skip; it makes everything sing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of freshness and a touch of natural sweetness. Grape tomatoes or diced ripe tomatoes work, too.
• Greek Oregano & Thyme: Signature Mediterranean flavors—dried is authentic and easy.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Stock: Keeps everything moist and adds subtle flavor. Vegetable stock can also be used.
• Salt and Pepper: To bring out the boldness of every ingredient. Adjust at the end.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and essential for authentic Greek flair. Add extra on top for the finish.
• Lemon Zest: Wakes everything up with a bright citrus finish.
• Flat-Leaf Italian Parsley: For a final touch of herbal freshness and color.

Tip: Crusty bread or warm pita is non-negotiable for soaking up every last bit of sauce!

Variations

Want to put your personal stamp on this dish? Here are a few ways to tailor it:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out sausage for sliced mushrooms or diced eggplant. Use vegetable stock for a fully meatless meal.
• Spicier Kick: Choose a hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
• More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
• Beans Swap: Any large white bean (like cannellini or lima) can step in for gigantes/butter beans.
• Vegan Twist: Use plant-based sausage or skip it altogether, and replace feta with a vegan cheese alternative.

How to Make Greek Sausage and Beans

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

If starting with dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. The next day, boil them until nearly tender, then drain. Canned beans? Jump straight to the next step!

Step 2: Sauté the Goodness

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sausage and let it brown, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s beautifully caramelized and fragrant, scoop it out with a slotted spoon.

Toss your onion, carrot, and celery right into the same pot with a sprinkle of salt. Let them sauté until soft and translucent—don’t rush this; it’s all about coaxing out their natural sweetness. Add your minced garlic and let it fill your kitchen with that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Spoon in the tomato paste and stir it in, letting it cook for a few minutes until it darkens and sticks just a bit (caramelization = flavor!). If things start to look dry, add a splash of stock or water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour in your chicken stock, scraping up all those delicious brown bits from the bottom. Now add the cherry tomatoes, nearly-tender beans, browned sausage, oregano, and thyme. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat.

Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour.

Step 5: Get Cheesy

Remove the foil, check if more liquid is needed (add a little stock or water unless it’s already saucy), sprinkle generously with feta, and return for another 30 minutes until bubbling and most of the liquid is gone.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Out of the oven, mix in fresh lemon zest and parsley. Give it a taste—now’s the moment to adjust salt and pepper to perfection. Serve it up hot, with more feta and a drizzle of olive oil, alongside plenty of crusty bread or pita.

How to Serve

This dish is a meal in itself but really shines when paired with:

• Warm Pita or Crusty Bread: Essential for scooping and sopping up all that savory sauce.
• Simple Greek Salad: Crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, a drizzle of olive oil—refreshing alongside the hearty beans.
• Lemon Wedges: For those who want to dial up the citrus zing even further.
• A Glass of Red Wine: Trust me, this is true weekday therapy.

Customize your plate with extra feta, fresh parsley, or even a swirl of thick Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day lunches even better.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and enjoy within three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to keep it saucy. Microwaving works, too, just cover so it doesn’t dry out.

Beans and sausage just get cozier in the fridge—don’t be surprised if you love it even more the next day!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There are few things as comforting—or as easy—as a bubbling tray of Greek Sausage and Beans. It’s soul-satisfying, packs a Mediterranean punch, and comes together seamlessly, no matter how busy your day. Each spoonful is loaded with creamy beans, juicy sausage, and bursts of tangy feta punctuated by bright herbs and citrus. Try it once, and you’ll keep it in your dinner rotation, tweaking ingredients as you go to make it your own. So gather your favorite ingredients, call some friends or family, and enjoy a little Greek sunshine any night of the week!

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