Michigan Beans and Sausage

Dive into the hearty comfort of Michigan Beans and Sausage, a soul-warming dish that combines smoky sausage, tender navy beans, and a rich tomato-based sauce packed with layers of flavor. This one-pot wonder starts with caramelized onions and garlic, enhanced by a perfect blend of paprika, mustard, and a touch of sweet brown sugar for balance. Simmered with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, the result is a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet medley that's as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing meal pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a crisp side salad, making it a comforting and versatile option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage (e.g., kielbasa or andouille)
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 15-ounce cans canned navy beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Peel and finely dice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices and develop the tomato paste's flavor.

Step 5

Add the navy beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Return the browned sausage to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Remove the lid and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar, if needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Pair with warm bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1512.3 grams (1512.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2073

Total Fat 169.90g	218%
Saturated Fat 55.50g	278%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.30g
Cholesterol 222mg	74%
Sodium 7466mg	325%
Total Carbohydrate 63.90g	23%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 36.50g
Protein 62.80g	126%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 353mg	27%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 2816mg	60%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 75.1%

Protein: 12.3%

Carbs: 12.6%