If you have a craving for something soul-satisfying yet fresh and uniquely flavorful, you are going to love this Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe. These meatballs are juicy and fragrant, perfectly complemented by the creamy, luscious tomato and butter bean sauce that wraps the dish in comfort and warmth. It’s the kind of meal you want to dive into on a chilly evening or when you need that extra bit of cozy. Each bite bursts with the enticing aroma of fennel and garlic, balanced by the richness of cream and tangy tomatoes, making it a memorable crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the joy of this recipe, and luckily, they are simple yet essential. Each component brings something special to the table — from the savory sausage meat and aromatic fennel seeds to the creamy butter beans and bright fresh herbs which round out the flavors beautifully.
- Sausage Meat (500 grams): The star protein, ideally with a good fat content to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Fennel Seeds (1 teaspoon): Lightly crushed to release their sweet, anise-like flavor that adds a unique twist.
- Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Garlic infuses the meatballs and sauce with robust aroma and depth.
- Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them soft on the inside.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as the perfect binder that holds everything together gently.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For that golden sear on the meatballs and to enrich the sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes (400 grams): The base of the sauce, bringing acidity and sweetness.
- Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Adds concentrated tomato flavor and coats the meatballs in richness.
- Heavy Cream (1/3 cup): Introduces a creamy, velvety texture to the sauce.
- Butter Beans (2 cans, 400g each, drained and rinsed): These nutty beans lend creaminess and heartiness.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Finishing touch for freshness and color.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional pinch): For a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready and Prep
Start by setting a large skillet over medium heat — this will be your main cooking vessel for both the meatballs and the sauce. If you want to serve the dish alongside rice or crusty bread, get it ready now so everything coincides perfectly at mealtime.
Step 2: Mix and Form the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat with the crushed fennel seeds, two of the minced garlic cloves, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until everything is just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Then, shape the mixture into 12 to 14 small, even meatballs — this size helps them cook thoroughly and evenly.
Step 3: Sear the Meatballs
Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and carefully place the meatballs in batches. Let them brown on all sides for about 6 to 8 minutes total; this golden crust locks in juices and creates incredible flavor. Once seared, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Using the same skillet, toss in the remaining minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir for a minute until fragrant, then pour in the crushed tomatoes. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes — this step melds those flavors beautifully and slightly thickens the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce
Return the seared meatballs to the sauce, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer on low for 15 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through and soak up that rich tomato goodness. Afterward, add the butter beans and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes so the beans warm through and add their creamy texture to the mix.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Herbs
Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the heavy cream for a velvety finish. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optionally a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil or parsley on top — their brightness is the perfect color and flavor contrast.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions of these warm, cozy sausage fennel meatballs with creamy tomato butter beans into bowls. Pair them with crusty bread or fluffy rice to soak up every bit of that indulgent sauce. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate!
How to Serve Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also refreshes the palate with a subtle herbal note after each bite. A drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of parmesan cheese can elevate the experience even further.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple, complementary sides. Think crusty sourdough bread that’s perfect for mopping up sauce or a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice that absorbs the creamy tomato flavors deliciously. Sauteed greens like spinach or kale can add a fresh, healthy contrast too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style dinner, serve the entire skillet right on the table, letting everyone help themselves to the hearty meatballs and sauce. Alternatively, present the meatballs skewered as an appetizer with a small dollop of sauce and herbs on each bite. For a modern twist, use small ramekins to create individual portions that look charming and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausage fennel meatballs with creamy tomato butter beans store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool completely before sealing to keep the flavors and textures intact.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the sauce’s creaminess and the meatballs’ tenderness.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to maintain that rich, creamy consistency. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works well, but keep in mind those tend to be leaner than pork, so the meatballs might be a bit less juicy. Adding a small drizzle of olive oil or a bit more cream can help keep the dish moist and flavorful.
What can I substitute for butter beans?
If you don’t have butter beans, cannellini beans or great northern beans are excellent substitutes. They have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the tomato sauce and sausage meatballs beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just make sure your sausage is also gluten-free, which most fresh varieties are, but check the label to be certain.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely. You can mix and form the meatballs a day in advance, keeping them wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, follow the recipe steps, which helps the flavors deepen even more due to that resting period.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe as written is mild, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. A small pinch wakes up the flavors without overwhelming the dish — perfect if you prefer a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the step-by-step to create this utterly comforting and flavorful Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe, I encourage you to give it a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion every time you make it, yet is straightforward enough for a cozy weeknight. The tender meatballs, aromatic fennel, and indulgent sauce create a harmony of flavors that will have you coming back for more — and trust me, sharing it with loved ones just makes it even better.
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Sausage Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 14 meatballs, serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
These sausage fennel meatballs simmered in a creamy tomato butter bean sauce offer a rich and comforting meal perfect for cozy dinners. The aromatic fennel and garlic-infused meatballs are seared to perfection, then gently cooked in a luscious tomato sauce enriched with cream and tender butter beans, creating a hearty and flavorful dish served best 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 (400 grams each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, optional pinch
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Set a large skillet over medium heat. If you plan to serve the dish with rice or bread, begin preparing those as you start cooking.
- Make the meatball mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, crushed fennel seeds, 2 minced garlic cloves, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat, then form the mixture into 12 to 14 small meatballs.
- Sear the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, searing them on all sides until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove the cooked meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Using the same skillet, add the remaining minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Simmer meatballs with sauce: Return the seared meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer gently in the sauce for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Then add the drained butter beans, uncover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to warm the beans through.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream to add richness. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a herbal note.
- Serve: Spoon the sausage fennel meatballs and creamy tomato butter bean sauce into bowls. Serve immediately with crusty bread or cooked rice to soak up the flavorful sauce and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Lightly crushing the fennel seeds releases more flavor into the meatballs.
- Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and juicy.
- Using canned butter beans saves time, but you can substitute with fresh cooked beans if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during sauce preparation.
- The dish pairs excellently with crusty bread or steamed rice to complement the creamy sauce.
