Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew

Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth from the inside out. With spicy sausage meatballs, silky butter beans, and tangy feta melting into every bite, this stew is rich, rustic, and utterly comforting. I was drawn to this recipe on a blustery evening and was amazed by how quickly it came together—and how luxurious it tasted. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

Main Ingredients:

• 6 (400g) spicy higher-welfare pork sausages or veggie alternative (14 oz total)
• 2 cups (320g) frozen chopped mixed onion, carrot, and celery (11 oz)
• 1 jar (700g) giant butter beans or 2 tins (800g total) butter beans (24 oz or 28 oz total)
• 2 tins (400g each) plum tomatoes (14 oz each)

Cheese:

• 1 cup (200g) feta cheese (7 oz)

How To Make Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew

Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F or gas mark 4) so it’s ready when your stew needs its final bake.

Prepare the Sausages:
Take a large non-stick ovenproof frying pan and warm a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausagemeat from the skins and roll it into rough, rustic balls about 3cm across. Toss these into the pan and brown them for 3 minutes, just enough to get that golden color, then lift them out onto a plate.

Cook the Vegetables:
Into the same pan, pour in your frozen mix of onion, carrot, and celery. Let them soften and mingle with the sausage juices for around 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things moving and flavorful.

Add the Butter Beans and Tomatoes:
Pour in the butter beans with all their lovely juice. Crush the plum tomatoes by hand (yes, it’s messy—but totally worth it for that rustic texture) and add them too. Give everything a good stir and a generous crack of black pepper. Let it bubble up to a happy simmer.

Add the Feta and Sausages:
Crumble half the feta into the stew to give it creaminess. Add your browned sausage balls back in and break the rest of the feta into bigger chunks to scatter over the top.

Bake the Stew:
Slide the whole pan into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. When the stew is golden, thick, and bubbling like a cozy lava pit, it’s ready.

Why I Love This Recipe

I whipped this up on a Monday night after work and couldn’t believe how quick and hearty it turned out. The feta adds this amazing creamy tang, and the butter beans make it feel luxurious without being heavy. My partner had seconds and then thirds—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality sausages: They’re the flavor backbone. Spicy or smoked work great.
• Don’t drain the beans: That liquid is gold—it adds depth and creaminess.
• Let the tomatoes break down: Squeezing them gives texture, but don’t worry if they’re a bit chunky.
• Mix the feta well: Half melted in, half on top gives the best creamy-crispy contrast.
• One-pan win: Use an ovenproof pan to save time and cleanup.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew

At Room Temperature:
Let the stew cool completely before storing—no more than 2 hours on the counter.

In the Fridge:
Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better.

In the Freezer:
Perfect for meal prep. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating:

• Oven: 180°C (350°F), covered, 20–25 minutes
• Microwave: High for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway
• Stovetop: Medium heat, 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 571
• Carbs: 32.9g
• Protein: 31.4g
• Fat: 34.6g
• Sugar: 12.6g
• Fibre: 10.6g
• Sodium: 2g

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

Can I use chicken instead of pork sausages?
Totally! Just make sure they’re well-seasoned to keep the flavor punch.

Can I use chorizo for extra spice?
Yes, and it’s delicious. Chorizo adds smoky depth—just go easy on extra seasoning.

Is this stew vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely—just swap in your favorite veggie sausages.

Can I use canned butter beans?
For sure. Just don’t drain them—the liquid adds loads of flavor.

What if it’s too watery or too thick?
If it’s thin, simmer it uncovered. Too thick? Splash in some water or broth.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Green Bean Salad
• Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Mash
• Jamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans