If you’re searching for a comforting yet vibrant dish to warm your soul, the Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together juicy sausage meatballs infused with fragrant fennel, simmered in a luscious tomato sauce enriched with creamy butter beans. This combination creates layers of robust flavor and a satisfying texture that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you make this dish, it will become one of those meals you reach for time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you — each one plays a crucial role in building the rich and comforting flavors in this recipe. From the aromatic fennel seeds to the creamy beans, every component adds texture, color, or a burst of taste that elevates the dish beautifully.
- Sausage Meat: 500 grams of flavorful sausage meat forms the hearty base of the meatballs.
- Fennel Seeds: 1 teaspoon, lightly crushed to release their sweet, anise-like essence.
- Garlic Cloves: 4 cloves minced, providing a savory punch that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs: 1/3 cup to help bind the meatballs, ensuring they’re tender but not crumbly.
- Egg: 1 large egg acts as a natural glue, holding everything together.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for searing the meatballs to a golden-brown crust.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 400 grams (1 can) to form a rich, tangy sauce.
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon, concentrated flavor that deepens the tomato sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1/3 cup to add that silky, luscious finish to the sauce.
- Butter Beans (Canned): 2 cans (400g each), drained and rinsed, bringing a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, introduces fresh herbal brightness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, vital for seasoning all layers of flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional pinch for a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
How to Make Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Skillet and Sides
Start by setting a large skillet over medium heat—this will be your main cooking station for the meatballs and sauce. If you’d like to serve them with rice or crusty bread, now’s the time to get those underway so everything’s ready to enjoy together.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine the sausage meat, lightly crushed fennel seeds, two cloves of the minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon—overmixing can make meatballs tough! Shape the mixture into about 12 to 14 small meatballs, setting the stage for juicy, tender bites.
Step 3: Sear the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in your skillet and carefully add the meatballs in batches. Let them brown evenly on all sides for around 6 to 8 minutes total, which locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust. Once golden, remove the meatballs and set them aside to rest.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the remaining minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir this mixture gently until the garlic becomes fragrant and the paste starts to caramelize slightly—this deepens the sauce’s flavor brilliantly. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring everything together before letting it simmer for about five minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Beans
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let it all simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and soak up those rich flavors. Afterward, stir in the butter beans and cook uncovered for an additional five minutes. The beans will thicken the sauce and add a velvety texture.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Herbs
Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream, which transforms the sauce into a creamy, dreamy concoction. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth. To finish, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top—this freshens every forkful with vibrant herbal notes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe into warm bowls, ideally alongside crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Now dig in and savor the cozy, rich flavors you created—trust me, every bite is a joy!
How to Serve Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness right before serving. If you’re feeling playful, a little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top will elevate the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with rustic crusty bread, perfect for sopping up that creamy tomato sauce. Alternatively, serve it over fluffy white rice or creamy polenta to round out the meal with comfort and substance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs as elegant appetizers on skewers with a small cup of sauce for dipping. You can also turn this recipe into a hearty pasta dinner by tossing cooked pasta with the creamy tomato butter beans sauce and topping it with the meatballs. Perfect for impressing guests with minimal fuss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop to preserve their delicious texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be a lighter alternative and still work wonderfully in this recipe, though the flavor might be a bit milder. Just keep an eye on seasoning and consider adding a pinch more fennel or herbs to boost the flavor.
Are butter beans similar to cannellini or lima beans?
Yes, butter beans are very similar to lima beans but tend to be a bit larger and creamier. Cannellini beans are slightly firmer and less creamy, but all three can work in this recipe if you can’t find butter beans.
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture might vary slightly, but the taste will still shine.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing raw meatballs?
You can freeze the formed raw meatballs on a baking tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time in the skillet and proceed with the sauce as directed.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a subtle twist. Keep in mind coconut milk will add a slight different flavor, but it works nicely in this creamy tomato butter beans sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this wonderful Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe and experience how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. The comforting textures and bold flavors make it a guaranteed favorite whether served weeknight or for guests. Enjoy every bite of this cozy, heartwarming dish!
Print
Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 14 meatballs, serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
These Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans combine savory sausage seasoned with fennel seeds, tender meatballs seared to perfection, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce loaded with buttery white beans. This comforting skillet dish offers a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners, accented by fresh herbs and served with crusty bread or rice.
Ingredients
Sausage Meatballs
- 500 grams sausage meat
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 400 grams (1 can) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 cans (400g each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Optional pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare skillet and accompaniments: Set a large skillet over medium heat. If serving with rice or bread, begin preparing those now so everything is ready together.
- Make meatball mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine sausage meat, crushed fennel seeds, 2 minced garlic cloves, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined, then form into 12 to 14 small meatballs.
- Sear meatballs: Heat olive oil in the skillet. Once hot, add meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
- Create tomato base: In the same pan, add the remaining minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Simmer meatballs and beans: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer gently in the sauce for 15 minutes. Then stir in the butter beans and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Finish with cream and herbs: Remove skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top.
- Serve: Spoon the meatballs and creamy tomato butter bean sauce into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or rice for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- Fennel seeds add a subtle anise flavor but can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
- Use lean sausage meat to reduce grease in the sauce.
- Butter beans can be swapped with cannellini or great northern beans if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
