Easy Sausage Casserole

Introduction

Sausage casseroles are a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With a rich combination of savory sausage, tender vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy the whole family. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cooking time.

Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious sausage casserole, you’ll need:

• Sausage: Choose your favorite type—Italian, breakfast, or spicy sausage all work well.
• Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes.
• Sauce Ingredients: Tomato sauce, chicken broth, garlic, and olive oil.
• Spices and Herbs: Salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.

Preparing the Ingredients

Chopping Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and blend well with the sausage.

Prepping the Sausage

If using raw sausage, slice it into rounds or chunks. For pre-cooked sausage, simply slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking the Sausage

Browning the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Brown the sausage pieces until they’re cooked through and have a nice caramelized exterior. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Tips for Cooking Sausage Evenly

Ensure the sausage pieces are evenly spaced in the skillet and avoid overcrowding. This helps them cook evenly and develop a nice crust.

Making the Sauce

Essential Ingredients

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Process

1. In the same skillet used for the sausage, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce.
3. Stir well and bring to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the Casserole

Layering Ingredients

In a large baking dish, start by layering the browned sausage and chopped vegetables. Pour the sauce evenly over the top, ensuring everything is well-coated.

Combining Sausage, Vegetables, and Sauce

Gently mix the sausage, vegetables, and sauce together in the baking dish, spreading everything out evenly for consistent cooking.

Baking the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30-40 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.

How to Know When It’s Done

The casserole is done when the vegetables are tender, and the sauce is bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) if using raw sausage.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread. For beverages, consider a light red wine or a crisp, cold beer.

Variations of Sausage Casserole

Vegetarian Options

Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.

Different Types of Sausage

Experiment with different sausages like chorizo, kielbasa, or bratwurst to change up the flavor profile.

Adding Pasta or Rice

For a more substantial meal, add cooked pasta or rice to the casserole before baking.

Tips for the Best Sausage Casserole

• Enhancing Flavors: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for depth of flavor.
• Keeping Ingredients Balanced: Ensure there’s an even ratio of sausage to vegetables for a well-balanced dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Sausage: Cook sausage just until browned to avoid a dry texture.
• Soggy Vegetables: Cut vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, pre-cooked sausage works well and saves time. Just slice and add it to the casserole.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze sausage casserole. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans.

How can I make it spicier?
Add more paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce, or use a spicy sausage variety.

Conclusion

An easy sausage casserole is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!

Yield: 6 Servings

Easy Sausage Casserole

Print

Sausage casseroles are a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With a rich combination of savory sausage, tender vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy the whole family. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cooking time.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or low calorie cooking spray
• 8 thick sausages , your choice
• 2 chorizo sausages, casing removed, sliced leave out for slimming / veggie version
• 2 red onions , roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or Sukrin Gold Sweetener
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or red wine
• 2 red peppers sliced
• 800 g (28oz) chopped tomatoes from two tins
• 800 g (28oz) tin cannellini beans from two tins, drained and rinsed
• 250 ml (1 cup) hot chicken stock , or vegetable stock more if needed
• Chopped parsley to serve
• Salt and pepper to season , to taste

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a cassrole dish (or mist with cooking spray). Brown the sausages, turning frequently, over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until nicely coloured. Set aside.

• Cook the chorizo in the same pan until it starts to crisp up a little and release some of its spicy oil (leave out if making a slimming or veggie version).

• Reduce the heat. Add the onions, garlic, salt, herbs and seasonings and pan fry, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes.

• Add the red wine vinegar and stand back – it will sizzle when it hits the pan and the strong smell may make your eyes water!

• Stir in the peppers, cooking for a few minutes until softened.

• Add the tomatoes, beans and stock and bring to a simmer.

• Add the sausages back into the sauce until they are partially submerged.

• Partially cover the pot and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

• Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with plenty of chopped parsley and serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

SLOW COOKER SAUSAGE CASSEROLE You can cook this recipe in a crockpot. Follow the method up until you add the sausages back into the sauce then cook on high for 4 hours or on low for up to 8. Some slow cookers allow for searing on the hob so you can use the inner pot of your cooker if that’s available to you (less washing up, yay!).

REHEAT INSTRUCTIONS? As with most casseroles and stews, this tastes EVEN better the next day! Make sure you store the casserole in the fridge as soon as it has cooled down. Reheat until piping hot all the way through, adding a little water if the pan is too dry. Eat within three days.

FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS We never have enough leftovers to freeze but you CAN freeze this dish. Portion into suitable containers and freeze, consuming within 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost in a microwave before reheating.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 239