Picture this—a chilly evening, the aroma of a hearty sausage casserole wafting through your home, filling the air with warmth and comfort. This Best Ever Sausage Casserole Recipe is designed to do just that. It boasts a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds.
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Best Ever Sausage Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Best Ever Sausage Casserole
Ingredients
- 500 g 1 pound pork sausages
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 1 carrot cut into cubes
- ¾ cup dry red wine
- 1 can 14 oz/400g tomato sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 1 can 14 oz/400g cannellini beans, drained
- olive oil for cooking
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat approx. 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron pan, placed over medium heat. Add sausages into the pan and cook until golden on both sides (but still raw in the middle).olive oil for cooking, 500 g 1 pound pork sausages
- Transfer sausages onto a plate and add carrots and onions into the same pan without wiping it. Cook for 5 minutes.1 carrot, 1 medium white onion
- Add garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Mix in balsamic vinegar and worcestershire sauce.2 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- Add beans into the pan, pour in wine, tomato sauce and chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Add thyme and bay leaves, return the sausages back into the pan.¾ cup dry red wine, 1 can, 1 ½ teaspoon paprika, ¾ cup chicken stock, 2 bay leaves, 4 thyme sprigs, 1 can, salt and pepper
- Transfer the pan into an oven preheated to 200C/400F. Bake for 40 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 500 g (1 pound) pork sausages
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, cut into cubes
- ¾ cup dry red wine
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) cannellini beans, drained
- olive oil for cooking
- salt and pepper
🔪How Do I Make It?
Heat approx. 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron pan, placed over medium heat. Add sausages into the pan and cook until golden on both sides (but still raw in the middle).
Transfer sausages onto a plate and add carrots and onions into the same pan without wiping it. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Mix in balsamic vinegar and worcestershire sauce.
Add beans into the pan, pour in wine, tomato sauce and chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Add thyme and bay leaves, return the sausages back into the pan.
Transfer the pan into an oven preheated to 200C/400F. Bake for 40 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Complementary Side Dishes
A sausage casserole is a meal in itself but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty baguette. Both options will soak up the rich sauce beautifully, adding another layer of indulgence.
Fresh and Light Options
For a balanced meal, fresh salads make a great accompaniment. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the casserole, providing a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, a coleslaw with a tangy dressing can add a delightful crunch.
Beverages to Pair
When it comes to beverages, red wine like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the flavors of the sausage casserole perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, consider a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime. The carbonation and citrus will cleanse your palate between bites.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Selecting the Best Sausages
The quality of sausages can make or break this dish. Opt for pork sausages from a reputable butcher or a trusted brand. Look for sausages with a good balance of fat and meat, which will ensure they remain juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.
Enhancing Flavors
Don’t skip the step of browning the sausages and vegetables in the pan. This process, known as caramelization, adds depth and complexity to the dish. Additionally, using a cast iron pan can enhance the flavors further, as it retains heat well and provides a nice sear.
Make Ahead and Storage
This sausage casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together even more. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Sausages?
Absolutely! While pork sausages are traditional, feel free to experiment with chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages. Each variety will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add this to the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. Stir well to incorporate, and you’ll have a beautifully thickened sauce.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
How Long Does It Take to Cook the Casserole?
The cooking time for the sausage casserole is approximately 1 hour. This includes 30 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of baking. However, for best results, it's advisable to allow for an additional 10 minutes of resting time before serving. This helps the flavors to settle and makes for easier slicing.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Casserole?
Certainly! Adding vegetables not only boosts the nutritional content but also enhances the flavors. Consider incorporating diced bell peppers, carrots, or green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if adding harder vegetables, cooking them longer until they are tender.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free sausages and check the labels on any other added ingredients, such as broth or sauces. You can also substitute traditional flour with a gluten-free alternative if thickening is needed.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the sausages and vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a delicious and convenient meal.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you found joy in crafting our Best Ever Sausage Casserole, you're in for a treat! Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any occasion and easy to customize based on your preferences. Check out some of my favorites:
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