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.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: British
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.