Looking for a cozy, comforting meal that marries the wholesome goodness of chickpeas with the irresistible flavors of sausage and melted cheese? This Baked Chickpeas with Sausage and Mozzarella recipe delivers just that! It’s a delightful blend of savory and spicy, topped off with gooey mozzarella that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!
Budget Information
The total cost of this scrumptious recipe comes to approximately $15, making it an affordable option for a hearty meal. This breaks down to about $3.75 per serving if you’re serving four hungry folks!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the heartiness of chickpeas with the mouthwateringly rich flavors of Italian sausage. The fragrant aroma of garlic and onions wafts through the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere as it simmers. Plus, the beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. You can customize the spice level, sneak in extra veggies, or even make it fully vegetarian—no one will complain about missing the meat with that cheesy, bubbly topping!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delectable dish:
- Glug of olive oil ($0.50)
- 1 medium onion, chopped small ($0.50)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ($0.30)
- 12 ounces sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed ($4.00)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ($0.05)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ($0.10)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or less to taste ($0.05)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes ($1.50)
- 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed ($2.50)
- 1 6-8-ounce bundle kale, stemmed, or 4 to 5 ounces kale leaves, cut into thin ribbons ($1.50)
- 3/4 pound mozzarella, coarsely grated ($3.50)
- 2/3 cup finely grated pecorino cheese ($1.50)
- Garlic bread, for serving, if you wish ($2.00)
Feel free to swap the Italian sausage for turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative if you want a lighter or vegetarian version!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: In a large sauté pan—ovenproof is best, so you can use it for baking—pour in a generous glug of olive oil over medium-high heat. As the oil begins to shimmer, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until they start to soften and become fragrant, which should take about 4 minutes. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Step 2: Next, add in the Italian sausage to the pan. Use your trusty wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces; it should start browning as it cooks. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of kosher salt, a good amount of black pepper, dried oregano, and those red pepper flakes for a bit of zing. Cook and stir for around 6 to 8 minutes, making sure the sausage is cooked through and beautifully browned.
Step 3: Now comes the exciting part! Carefully pour in the can of crushed tomatoes—watch out for splatter! Add the drained chickpeas and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. This is where the flavors really start to meld together. You might want to taste it at this point, adding more salt and pepper if necessary. Simmer the chickpeas in this luscious sauce for about 10 to 25 minutes depending on how much time you have; longer cooking yields a softer texture!
Step 4: If your mixture looks a bit too thick, add a splash of water (1/4 cup at a time) until it reaches a perfect, thick yet saucy consistency. Stir in the kale and let it cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. If you’re prepping this dish to serve later or want to skip the cheese, you can freeze or store it right here!
Step 5: Preheat your oven’s broiler. If your pan isn’t oven-proof, transfer the chickpea mixture to a baking dish. Now, the pièce de résistance: sprinkle the coarsely grated mozzarella and finely grated pecorino cheeses all over the top of your bubbling goodness. Broil it until the cheese is gloriously melted and browned in spots—just a few minutes will do the trick!
Step 6: Once that cheese has reached its gooey peak, serve it up hot and ready to be devoured! Pair with your preferred garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a glance at the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this tasty dish:
- Calories: 525
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Total Fats: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you want to save some of this delicious dish for later, simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in a 350-degree oven covered for about 15 minutes until warmed through or use your microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines on its own, but don’t hesitate to serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crunchy garlic bread for dunking. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving can add a pop of color and extra flavor!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Feel free to get creative! Adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini not only ups the nutritional ante but also adds distinct flavors. And if you love spice, don’t hesitate to amp up the red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of hot sauce before serving for that extra kick.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just substitute the sausage with a meat-free alternative or extra veggies, and you’re good to go!
How do I know when it’s done cooking?
You’ll know it’s done when the sausage is browned, the vegetables are tender, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, the chickpea mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to defrost it in the refrigerator the night before you plan to reheat it.
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
You can easily swap chickpeas for other beans like cannellini or black beans to change up the flavor profile.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Of course! You can prepare the chickpea mixture ahead, cool it, and store it. Just add the cheese and broil before serving!
