Sausage Casserole

As the festive season winds down and the new year beckons, it’s time to turn our attention to simple, comforting meals that bring the family together without the fuss.

This versatile sausage casserole offers a perfect solution for those seeking a hearty, satisfying dish that’s both easy to prepare and universally appealing.

Whether you’re catering to meat-lovers or vegetarians, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit all tastes, proving that post-holiday dining can be both effortless and enjoyable.

Ingredients

For the meat version:

• 8 good-quality pork sausages
• 6 rashers rindless streaky bacon, cut into 2.5cm lengths

For the vegetarian version:

• 8 vegetarian sausages

For both versions:

• 1-2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 300ml vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian version if needed)
• 1 tbsp dark brown muscovado sugar
• 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
• 1 bay leaf
• 100ml red wine (optional)
• 400g tin butter beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large casserole dish over medium heat. For the meat version, brown the sausages and bacon for about 5 minutes. For the vegetarian version, cook the veggie sausages according to package instructions. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, stock, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, mixed herbs, and bay leaf. Pour in the wine if using, and bring to a simmer.
5. Return the sausages (and bacon for the meat version) to the pan. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
6. Add the butter beans and cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice.

This sausage casserole is a true winter warmer, perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something comforting and satisfying. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – it’s equally delicious with traditional pork sausages or vegetarian alternatives. The rich, tomatoey sauce, packed with vegetables and hearty beans, creates a meal that’s both nourishing and flavourful. Whether you’re feeding a family with diverse dietary needs or simply looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this British classic is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this dish as you ease into the new year.