This one-pan chicken sausage and bean casserole is a modern, healthier twist on a classic dish. Perfect for cosy evenings, it’s high in protein, full of rich, hearty flavours, and surprisingly light at just 252 calories per portion.
By swapping traditional sausages for lean chicken sausages, this casserole becomes a more nutritious option without compromising on taste. Borlotti beans add fibre and extra protein, while Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce give the tomato-based sauce a deep, savoury flavour.
Quick to prepare and simple to cook, this dish is ideal for busy nights or as a warming addition to your Burns Night celebrations. Pair it with toasted cheese bread for the ultimate comforting meal—it’s optional but highly recommended!
A perfect blend of healthy and indulgent, this casserole is proof that wholesome food can be incredibly satisfying.
What Is Burns Night?
Burns Night, held on January 25th, celebrates the life and works of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. The evening honors his influence on Scottish culture with poetry, music, and traditional food. The main dish is often haggis, accompanied by neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), reflecting Scotland’s culinary heritage.
Though it’s a Scottish tradition, people across England and beyond enjoy Burns Night by cooking up their own versions of traditional recipes. While haggis remains the star, variations like Burns Night chicken sausages and beans casserole offer a twist on the classic while still paying homage to the event. For many, it’s a chance to bring Scottish culture to their tables, no matter where they’re from, and to enjoy comforting dishes that evoke warmth, togetherness, and celebration.
Tips
- When browning the sausages, ensure they are cooked on all sides for a nice, golden colour. This helps lock in flavour and gives them a great texture.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavours have time to develop and settle.
- This dish is great for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge for a few days and the flavours continue to improve.
- If you’re not serving with toasted cheese bread, a simple side like mashed potatoes or a green salad can help balance out the richness of the casserole.
Swaps
Chicken Sausages: You can swap out the chicken sausages for turkey sausages or lean pork sausages if you prefer. Alternatively, vegetarian sausages would work well for a meat-free version.
Borlotti Beans: If you can’t find borlotti beans, you can use cannellini beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavour.
Tomato Sauce: If you don’t have tomato sauce, passata or crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute. For a slightly richer flavour, you could also use tomato puree (just add a little water to thin it out).
Worcestershire Sauce: If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar or soy sauce can be a good alternative. Both will add a similar depth of umami flavour.
Herbs: If you don’t have Italian herbs, any dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil would work well. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can also be used for a fresh flavour boost.
Cheese Bread: If you prefer, you can swap the toasted cheese bread for a slice of sourdough or whole grain bread. You could also make a simple garlic bread instead of cheese bread for a lighter option.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, make sure the dish is heated thoroughly to avoid any food safety concerns.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or stovetop until piping hot.
More Hearty Dishes
- Pomodori Ripieni (Stuffed Tomatoes – Roman Style)
- Pollo alla Cacciatora Toscana (Tuscan Hunter’s Chicken)
- One-Pot Tuscan Rigatoni
- Lasagna Soup
Burns Night Chicken Sausage & Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 10 chicken sausages I went for the italian flavour
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 can bortlotti beans
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 can of good quality tomato sauce
- 1 tsp of Italian herbs and bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Worcester sauce
- 1 cube chicken stock with 200-300ml hot water, I used Oxo cubes
Optional
- toasted cheese bread (really recommend it)
Instructions
- Chop finely onion and garlic.
- In a pan or casserole add a drizzle of oil and cook the sausage, turning them around on all sides. Once ready remove and slice them on a chopping board, then set aside (the slicing is optional but I think they look much better)
- In the same casserole, cook the onion and garlic with the Italian herbs. Once the onion turns translucent add the tomato sauce.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Cook until the tomato sauce starts to thicken up a bit
- Now you can add the sausages and beans, let them warm up and soak all the flavours.
- Serve with toasted cheese bread, optional… but really recommended it!