Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. Slow-cooked sausages in a rich tomato-based sauce with vegetables make this casserole a comforting and easy-to-make meal. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender sausages and a deeply flavored sauce.
What is Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole?
Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a one-pot dish that involves slow-cooking sausages with onions, garlic, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce. The slow-cooking process ensures the sausages are tender and the flavors are fully developed. It’s a hearty meal that can be served with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: The slow cooker does most of the work, making this dish convenient for busy days.
- Rich in flavor: Slow cooking enhances the flavors, making the sausages and sauce taste amazing.
- Great for families: A comforting dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for batch cooking: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers the next day.
- Versatile: You can customize the vegetables and spices to suit your preferences.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- 8 good-quality sausages – pork or beef, depending on your preference.
- 2 onions – finely sliced.
- 3 garlic cloves – minced.
- 1 red bell pepper – chopped.
- 2 carrots – peeled and sliced.
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes – for the sauce.
- 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock – for added flavor.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – to deepen the flavor.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – for an umami kick.
- 2 tsp smoked paprika – adds a mild smokiness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – for extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for browning the sausages.
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnishing.
Equipment
- Slow cooker – for long, gentle cooking.
- Large frying pan – for browning the sausages.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring.
- Knife and chopping board – for preparing the vegetables.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Brown the sausages
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Brown the sausages on all sides for about 5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the sausages to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions, garlic, red pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Add the smoked paprika and tomato paste, stirring to coat the vegetables.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients in the slow cooker
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the sausages. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cook the casserole
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The sausages should be tender and the sauce rich and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the casserole is ready, garnish with fresh parsley and serve Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Crusty bread: A side of warm, crusty bread works well for dipping into the casserole.
- Steamed greens: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or kale for a nutritious contrast.
- Rice: Fluffy rice complements the hearty sausage casserole nicely.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta makes a wonderful base for this casserole.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Brown the sausages first: Browning the sausages before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and a nice texture.
- Use quality sausages: High-quality sausages make all the difference in flavor. Choose sausages with natural casings for the best result.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or potatoes to the casserole.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered in the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to thicken.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or use spicy sausages for an extra kick.
- Herb sausage casserole: Swap the smoked paprika for fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more herby flavor.
- Vegetable-packed: Add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a heartier and healthier meal.
- Cider version: Replace the chicken stock with apple cider for a slightly sweet, tangy twist.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: The casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Portion control: Divide the casserole into individual portions before freezing for convenient reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Oven: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: For quicker reheating, individual portions can be microwaved on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Healthier?
- Use lean sausages: Opt for low-fat sausages or chicken sausages to reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the number of vegetables to make the dish more nutrient-dense.
- Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium stock and avoid adding extra salt to keep the sodium content lower.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I use frozen sausages in a slow cooker sausage casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen sausages for Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can put them in the slow cooker frozen, but extend the cooking time and ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 75°C (165°F).
Should sausages be browned before slow cooking?
Browning sausages before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and improves the texture. While it’s not necessary, it adds a depth of flavor to Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole and makes the sausages more visually appealing.
How do I thicken the sauce in slow cooker sausage casserole?
To thicken the sauce in Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze leftover sausage casserole?
Yes, Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole can be frozen. Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any family meal. The slow-cooked sausages paired with rich tomato sauce and tender vegetables make this casserole irresistible.
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Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a one-pot dish that involves slow-cooking sausages with onions, garlic, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce. The slow-cooking process ensures the sausages are tender and the flavors are fully developed. It’s a hearty meal that can be served with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 good-quality sausages – pork or beef, depending on your preference.
- 2 onions – finely sliced.
- 3 garlic cloves – minced.
- 1 red bell pepper – chopped.
- 2 carrots – peeled and sliced.
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes – for the sauce.
- 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock – for added flavor.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – to deepen the flavor.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – for an umami kick.
- 2 tsp smoked paprika – adds a mild smokiness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – for extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for browning the sausages.
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnishing.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the sausages
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Brown the sausages on all sides for about 5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the sausages to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions, garlic, red pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Add the smoked paprika and tomato paste, stirring to coat the vegetables.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients in the slow cooker
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the sausages. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cook the casserole
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The sausages should be tender and the sauce rich and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the casserole is ready, garnish with fresh parsley and serve Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
