Hairy Bikers’ Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy sausages with hearty vegetables in a rich tomato-based sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in a warming, delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
What is Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole?
Hairy Bikers’ Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a traditional British dish where sausages are slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables. The slow cooking method allows the sausages to absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meal. It’s a classic, comforting dish that’s ideal for cold evenings or when you need a hearty meal.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does the hard work while you go about your day.
- Rich flavors: The slow-cooked sauce brings out deep, robust flavors that can’t be rushed.
- Hearty and filling: With sausages, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this casserole is a complete meal.
- Versatile: You can add your favorite vegetables or switch up the type of sausages you use.
- Perfect for batch cooking: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers or freeze portions for another day.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Sausages (8 good-quality sausages) – pork or beef, depending on your preference.
- Onions (2, sliced): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): For a subtle kick of flavor.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Adds sweetness and color.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Gives the dish a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chopped tomatoes (1 can, 400g): Forms the base of the rich sauce.
- Tomato purée (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a savory depth and slight tanginess.
- Beef stock (300ml): Helps create a flavorful sauce.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, herby note.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the sausages.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Optional: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Equipment
- Slow cooker for cooking the casserole
- Frying pan for browning the sausages
- Sharp knife and chopping board for preparing vegetables
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Brown the sausages
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the sausages and brown them on all sides for 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer the browned sausages to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- In the same frying pan, sauté the sliced onions, garlic, carrots, and red bell pepper for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Add the tomato purée and cook for another minute, stirring to coat the vegetables.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and stock
- Pour the chopped tomatoes and beef stock into the frying pan with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Transfer to the slow cooker
- Pour the tomato and vegetable mixture over the sausages in the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Cook the casserole
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the sausages are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the casserole is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Mashed potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the rich tomato sauce.
- Steamed green beans: Adds a fresh, crisp element to the dish.
- Rice: A simple side that balances the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Roasted vegetables: Complement the casserole with roasted root vegetables like parsnips or butternut squash.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Brown the sausages: Browning the sausages first helps to lock in their flavor and gives them a nice texture.
- Use good-quality sausages: Opt for your favorite sausages with high meat content for the best results.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce: It adds a depth of flavor that really enhances the overall dish.
- Add a kick: If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Cook low and slow: For the best flavors, cook the casserole on low heat to allow the ingredients to meld together.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Vegetarian version: Swap the sausages for vegetarian sausages or beans for a meat-free option.
- Add more vegetables: Incorporate extra veggies like zucchini, peas, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
- Spicy sausage casserole: Use spicy sausages like chorizo or add chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Smoky version: Add smoked paprika or use smoked sausages for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Cheesy casserole: Stir in some grated cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat once: Reheat thoroughly in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until piping hot.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Stovetop method: Reheat the casserole in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Healthier?
- Use lean sausages: Opt for low-fat or lean sausages to reduce the fat content.
- Increase the veggies: Add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Reduce salt: Use low-sodium stock and adjust the salt to your taste.
- Skip the frying: If you want to cut down on oil, you can skip browning the sausages and add them straight to the slow cooker.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 25g
FAQs
Can I make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sausage casserole ahead of time. Prepare and cook the casserole, then let it cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole?
Yes, the sausage casserole freezes well. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a saucepan or microwave.
What sausages work best in Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole?
Good-quality pork sausages work best, but you can also use beef, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages. Spicy or smoked varieties like chorizo add extra depth to the dish.
Can I cook Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole on high heat?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours. However, cooking on low allows the flavors to develop more fully for a richer result.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is the perfect comfort food, offering rich flavors with minimal effort.
With its hearty sausages, vegetables, and flavorful sauce, it’s a versatile recipe that works for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a satisfying meal straight from your slow cooker!
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Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a traditional British dish where sausages are slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables. The slow cooking method allows the sausages to absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meal. It’s a classic, comforting dish that’s ideal for cold evenings or when you need a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- Sausages (8 good-quality sausages) – pork or beef, depending on your preference.
- Onions (2, sliced): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): For a subtle kick of flavor.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Adds sweetness and color.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Gives the dish a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chopped tomatoes (1 can, 400g): Forms the base of the rich sauce.
- Tomato purée (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a savory depth and slight tanginess.
- Beef stock (300ml): Helps create a flavorful sauce.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, herby note.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the sausages.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Optional: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the sausages
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the sausages and brown them on all sides for 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer the browned sausages to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- In the same frying pan, sauté the sliced onions, garlic, carrots, and red bell pepper for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Add the tomato purée and cook for another minute, stirring to coat the vegetables.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and stock
- Pour the chopped tomatoes and beef stock into the frying pan with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Transfer to the slow cooker
- Pour the tomato and vegetable mixture over the sausages in the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Cook the casserole
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the sausages are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the casserole is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.
