How To Make Sausage Casserole

If you're looking for a hearty and comforting dish that embodies the essence of British cuisine, look no further than the classic Sausage Casserole. Bursting with flavour and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a beloved favourite of many. The classic sausage casserole is packed with flavour and requires minimal cleanup because it is made in just one pan!

Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a cozy gathering with friends, mastering the art of making Sausage Casserole will surely impress your guests. Let's dive into this delicious recipe step by step.

Ingredients: 8 British pork sausages (such as Cumberland or Lincolnshire), 2 finely chopped onions, mince 2 cloves of garlic, dice 2 carrots, 2 finely chopped celery sticks, 2 tablespoons of tomato puree, 400g can of chopped tomatoes, 400g can of baked beans, 300 ml chicken or vegetable stock, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, Salt and pepper to taste, Olive oil for cooking, finely chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large saucepot or frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add your choice of sausages and cook until browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the sausages from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
   
   

2. Create the Flavour Base:
   Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the tomato puree and cook for another minute to enhance the flavour. Add the chopped tomatoes, baked beans, chicken or vegetable stock, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
   
   

3. Add the Sausages:
   Cut the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces and add them back to the pan. Stir gently to incorporate them into the sauce.
   
   

4. Transfer to Casserole:
   Once everything is well combined, transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture to a large casserole dish. Make sure the sausages are evenly distributed.
   
   

5. Bake to Perfection:
   Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavours have melded together beautifully.
   
   

6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the Sausage Casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and colour. Serve the casserole hot with your choice of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed greens.
   
   

Tips and Variations:

1. For an extra burst of flavour, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of wholegrain mustard to the sauce. You can also add 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar along with tomato puree.
2. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or leeks.
3. A good non-stick pan from Vinod Cookware will help you sauté the vegetables more thoroughly with less oil.
4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornflour with a little water and stir it into the casserole before baking.

There you have it – a delicious Sausage Casserole that's sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!