Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners. Combining plump sausages with a rich tomato-based sauce, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this casserole is a go-to for a satisfying meal. The Hairy Bikers are known for their hearty, flavorful cooking, and this sausage casserole delivers on both fronts.
Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole is a classic British dish where sausages are cooked in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and a variety of vegetables. The slow-cooked sausages absorb the flavorful sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you up and is ideal for batch cooking or feeding a crowd.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simple to make: The recipe uses everyday ingredients and is easy to prepare.
- Great for family meals: A hearty dish that will satisfy the whole family.
- Full of flavor: The sausages, herbs, and vegetables make for a rich, savory dish.
- Perfect for batch cooking: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
- Versatile: You can customize the vegetables and spices based on your preferences.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
- 8 sausages – good-quality beef sausage or your favorite type.
- 2 onions – finely sliced.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 1 red bell pepper – chopped.
- 2 carrots – peeled and sliced.
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes – for the sauce base.
- 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock – to add depth to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp tomato purée – for richness.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – for warmth.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – for extra flavor.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – for a savory kick.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for frying the sausages and vegetables.
- Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional).
Equipment
- Large frying pan – for browning the sausages and cooking the vegetables.
- Casserole dish or large pot – for cooking the casserole.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring.
- Knife and chopping board – for preparing the vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Brown the sausages
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown them on all sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions, garlic, red pepper, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Add the sauce ingredients
- Stir in the tomato purée, smoked paprika, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and canned tomatoes. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Simmer the casserole
- Return the browned sausages to the pan and stir them into the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let the casserole simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
- Once the casserole is ready, garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Crusty bread: Serve with crusty bread to mop up every bit of the delicious sauce.
- Steamed greens: Green beans, broccoli, or kale make great healthy sides.
- Rice: Fluffy rice balances the richness of the sausage casserole.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
- Use quality sausages: High-quality sausages make all the difference in flavor, so choose sausages with a good meat-to-fat ratio.
- Brown the sausages well: Browning the sausages before simmering adds depth and flavor to the dish.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition and variety.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the casserole to simmer for a longer period helps the flavors meld together and intensify.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
- Spicy sausage casserole: Use spicy sausages or add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
- Herb-infused casserole: Add rosemary, bay leaves, or sage for extra herbal flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the sausages for vegetarian or vegan sausages and use vegetable stock.
- Apple twist: Add diced apples to the casserole for a sweet contrast to the savory sausages.
- Cheesy topping: Add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top and grill it for a cheesy, bubbly finish.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Portion control: Divide the casserole into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
- Oven: Reheat the sausage casserole in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole Healthier?
- Use lean sausages: Opt for lean sausages to reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the amount of vegetables like carrots, peppers, and zucchini for more fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium stock and avoid adding too much salt to keep the dish healthier.
- Serve with whole grains: Pair the casserole with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Fiber:
- 5g
FAQs
Can I make Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole in advance?
Yes, Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole can be made in advance. Prepare the dish as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed before serving.
What sausages work best for sausage casserole?
Good-quality pork sausages are ideal for Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole. You can also use beef, chicken, or spicy sausages depending on your preference. The key is to use sausages with a good balance of meat and fat for the best flavor.
Can I freeze leftover sausage casserole?
Yes, Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
How can I make sausage casserole more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole, you can add additional herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a splash of red wine for depth. Browning the sausages and sautéing the vegetables before simmering also boosts the overall flavor.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The rich tomato sauce, tender sausages, and hearty vegetables come together to create a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
- Mary Berry Sausage Cassoulet
- Nigella Sausage Tray Bake
Source: Hairy Bikers
Print
Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole is a classic British dish where sausages are cooked in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and a variety of vegetables. The slow-cooked sausages absorb the flavorful sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you up and is ideal for batch cooking or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 8 sausages – good-quality beef sausages or your favorite type.
- 2 onions – finely sliced.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 1 red bell pepper – chopped.
- 2 carrots – peeled and sliced.
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes – for the sauce base.
- 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock – to add depth to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp tomato purée – for richness.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – for warmth.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – for extra flavor.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – for a savory kick.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for frying the sausages and vegetables.
- Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional).
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the sausages
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown them on all sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions, garlic, red pepper, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Add the sauce ingredients
- Stir in the tomato purée, smoked paprika, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and canned tomatoes. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Simmer the casserole
- Return the browned sausages to the pan and stir them into the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let the casserole simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
- Once the casserole is ready, garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
