Slow-Simmered Italian Sausage and White Bean Ragù
A hearty ragù blending Italian sausage and creamy white beans slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce with fresh herbs, perfect for polenta or crusty bread. This italian-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs Italian sausage links, casings removed, olive oil, medium yellow onion, finely diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage links, casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz canned white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed), breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion, 1 medium finely diced carrot, and 1 finely diced celery stalk to the skillet. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until vegetables are softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 15 oz drained and rinsed white beans, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Adjust seasoning as needed and serve ragù warm over creamy polenta or toasted Italian bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Italian Sausage and White Bean Ragù take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Italian Sausage and White Bean Ragù?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Italian Sausage and White Bean Ragù?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Simmered Italian Sausage and White Bean Ragù for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Simmered Italian Sausage and White Bean Ragù?
Italian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
