This Italian sausage and beans (Salsicce e Sagioli) recipe is a quick, cozy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with spicy Italian sausage, creamy beans, and flavorful tomatoes, it comes together in just 35 minutes. This is similar to my Sausage Red Sauce Rigatoni—but instead of pasta, we’re using beans.
The sausage is the major flavor here, so make sure to use high-quality hot (or sweet) Italian sausage. As for the beans? You’ve got options. I used giant white beans, but cannellini, borlotti beans, or even chickpeas would work just as well.
It’s your shortcut for flavor, so like I mention in just about every recipe, get the best quality you can.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Beans Recipe
- One-pan meal – Everything is cooked in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!
- 35-minute recipe – Quick, minimal effort required, but honestly tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
- Super satisfying – The bean and sausage combo is protein packed, and there is lots of flavor so you’ll definietly be full after this meal.
- Versatile – Swap out another variety of beans or try different types of Italian sausage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Sausage and Beans:
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage (or sweet, depending on your preference)
- 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes – I recommend Bianco DiNapoli.
- 1 cup dried beans or 1 (15 oz) can cooked beans
The Toppings:
- Parmigiano or Pecornio cheese
- Olive oil
- Crusty bread
How to Make Italian Sausage and Beans
- Prep the Beans
If using dried beans, soak and cook them ahead of time. If you’re going with canned beans, just drain and rinse them—easy. - Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook slowly, letting the fat render and the sausage brown evenly on all sides. - Simmer with Tomatoes & Beans
Once the sausage is browned, pour in the canned tomatoes and beans. If using whole tomatoes, crush them with your hands before adding them to the pan.
Let everything simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and check for salt—you may not need any since the sausage brings plenty of seasoning. - Serve It Up
Drizzle with good olive oil, top with shaved or grated Parmesan or Pecorino, and don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up that delicious sauce.
Tips for the Best Sausage and Beans
- Use good-quality sausage. It’s the main seasoning in this dish!
- Swap the beans. Cannellini, borlotti, or even chickpeas work perfectly.
- Adjust the spice level. Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
What to Serve with Sausage and Beans
This dish is hearty on its own, but here are some ideas to round out the meal:
Classic Caesar Salad – This is the best classic caesar salad recipe with an easy homemade dressing, crispy croutons, and fresh romaine lettuce.
Arugula Salad With Parmesan, Pine Nuts and Pomelo – Peppery arugula, tangy pomelo, nutty pine nuts, and salty parmesan make the perfect Italian-inspired salad.
Bitter Green Caesar Salad – A twist on the classic Caesar but with endive, radicchio and roasted olive croutons.
Braised Escarole – A simple braised escarole recipe with olive oil, garlic and fresh lemon. Plus, some thoughts on cretan food, because it’s amazing.
Common Questions About Sausage and Beans
What beans are best for sausage and beans (Salsicce e Fagioli)?
White beans like cannellini or gigante beans work great, but you can also use borlotti beans or chickpeas.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors develop even more overnight. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze sausage and beans?
Absolutely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.
More Cozy Italian Recipes to Try
Baked Rigatoni
The perfect baked rigatoni with ricotta cheese and a quick meat sauce. it’s an easy weeknight meal that tastes like it took you all weekend.
Easy Sausage and Red Sauce Rigatoni
A quick and easy sausage pasta recipe made with two simple ingredients—Italian sausage and canned tomatoes. ready in just 30 minutes.
Cacio e Pepe Mac and Cheese
This cacio e pepe baked mac and cheese has lots of black pepper, parmesan, and pecorino Romano with a rich, creamy sauce and crispy panko topping. a perfect mash-up of roman pasta and classic comfort food!
Pasta Alla Genovese
Genovese sauce is a traditional beef and onion ragù from Naples. slowly simmered with white wine, this sauce develops a rich, deep flavor perfect for pairing with pasta.
The Best Short Rib Ragu
The best short rib ragu, a twist on the classic Italian meat sauce, Ragù Bolognese. slowly cooked and served over fresh homemade pasta.
Bolognese Sauce
Learn how to make classic bolognese sauce with this step-by-step recipe. packed with rich flavor, this Italian ragù is perfect for pasta or lasagna. includes faqs, storage tips, and variations.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Did you try this Salsicce e Fagioli recipe? Leave a comment and 5-star review below with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
Sausage and Beans
Ingredients
The Sausage and Beans
- 1 lb hot italian sausage
- 28 oz can tomatoes – i recommend bianco dinapoli
- 1 c dried beans or 1 can cooked beans
The Toppings
- parmigiano or locatelli
- olive oil
- crusty bread
Instructions
- If you’re using dried beans get them soaking and cooked before you start. If you’re not in a dried bean kinda mood, grab a can, drain it, rinse it. Done.
- Next, brown your sausage over medium heat. You want it to cook slowly here so the fat starts to render and it gets nice and golden brown on both sides. After your sausage is browned, add in your tomatoes and beans. If using whole canned tomatoes like I did, squeeze em to break them up a bit.
- Let your sausage, tomatoes and beans simmer for 20 minutes. Check for salt. I typically don’t need to add any since the sausage is usually salty enough. But you make the call here.
- Now to serve it up. A good drizzle of olive oil, some Parmesan or Locatelli is a good idea, and crusty bread. Oh, and a beer would be a good bet here too!
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
One thought on Easy Italian Sausage and Beans (Salsicce e Fagioli)
This looks delicious and easy.