Name: Hairy Bikers Sausage and Bean Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: Sausages (6-8 large, your choice): Choose a high-quality sausage for the best flavor.; Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the sausages and vegetables.; Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds a rich, savory base.; Garlic cloves (2-3, minced): Enhances the depth of flavor.; Carrots (2, sliced): Adds sweetness and texture.; Celery stalks (2, chopped): For a savory, aromatic base.; Canned chopped tomatoes (2 x 400g cans): The base of the casserole sauce.; Tomato purée (1 tbsp): Adds depth and richness to the sauce.; Canned white beans (2 x 400g cans, drained): Adds heartiness and protein.; Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Adds a smoky flavor to the dish.; Thyme (1 tsp, dried or fresh): Enhances the savory taste.; Bay leaves (2): For added aromatic flavor.; Vegetable or chicken stock (300ml): Provides extra richness to the sauce.; Salt and black pepper: To taste.

Description

The Hairy Bikers Sausage and Bean Casserole is a classic British comfort dish featuring sausages cooked with beans in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s hearty, warming, and easy to prepare. With ingredients like smoky sausages, white beans, and vegetables, it offers a nutritious, filling meal. You can serve it on its own or alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious sausage and bean casserole:

Sausages (6-8 large, your choice): Choose a high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the sausages and vegetables.
Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds a rich, savory base.
Garlic cloves (2-3, minced): Enhances the depth of flavor.
Carrots (2, sliced): Adds sweetness and texture.
Celery stalks (2, chopped): For a savory, aromatic base.
Canned chopped tomatoes (2 x 400g cans): The base of the casserole sauce.
Tomato purée (1 tbsp): Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Canned white beans (2 x 400g cans, drained): Adds heartiness and protein.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
Thyme (1 tsp, dried or fresh): Enhances the savory taste.
Bay leaves (2): For added aromatic flavor.
Vegetable or chicken stock (300ml): Provides extra richness to the sauce.
Salt and black pepper: To taste.

Instructions

Brown the sausages – Heat the olive oil in a large casserole pot over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the vegetables – In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add the spices – Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
Add the tomatoes and stock – Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and vegetable stock. Stir everything together, bringing it to a simmer.
Combine the sausages and beans – Return the sausages to the pot along with the drained white beans. Stir to combine.
Simmer the casserole – Cover the pot and let the casserole cook on low heat for about 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Season and serve – Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.