Meaty Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or pork tenderloin, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 4 cans (15 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 12 to 16 ounces smoked sausage links, halved and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 4 to 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Pepper to taste
• 2 to 2-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs