Delicious Sausage and Bean Casserole Recipe
Welcome to my English Sausage and Bean Casserole recipe! If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal, then this recipe is perfect for you. The combination of sausages, bacon, beans, garlic and Worcestershire sauce creates an irresistible comfort food that will warm your soul.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I can assure you that this dish is a classic in English households. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also simple to make and requires minimal ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party or just want a cozy night in, this English Sausage and Bean Casserole will hit the spot. So get ready to indulge in the flavors of the British Isles and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a heartwarming and satisfying dish that screams comfort food? Look no further than this English Sausage and Bean Casserole recipe! It’s the epitome of a classic British meal, packed with savory flavors and hearty ingredients that everyone in your family will love.
Imagine tender sausages, crisped bacon, and buttery beans nestled amongst a tangy tomato sauce with a hint of cider and Worcestershire sauce. The aroma is irresistible and will make your mouth water as it fills the house. This casserole recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, weekend gathering with friends or even as delicious leftovers for lunch the next day.
What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to make with easily accessible ingredients from your pantry or grocery store. So whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen lineup.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it can also be easily customized to your taste preferences. Add some peppers or chorizo for extra spice, swap out pork sausages for Italian sausage or even vegetarian sausages for a healthier twist. The options are endless.
In conclusion, give yourself the gift of cozy and comforting food by trying out this sausage and bean casserole recipe. Trust me, it won’t disappoint!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare the Sausage and Bean Casserole Recipe:
- 12 pork sausages
- 4 rashers of bacon, chopped
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red peppers, chopped
- 1 can of baked beans (16 ounces)
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 1 can of butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Note: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version or simply want to switch up the recipe a bit, you can substitute the pork sausages with vegetarian sausages, chorizo or even Italian sausage. You can also replace butter beans with cannellini beans or any other type of bean that you prefer.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the oven and cook the sausages
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 12 sausages to the skillet, then cook until they are browned all over, it will take around 10 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the onions, garlic, and bacon
In the same pan, add 2 diced onions, 2 chopped red peppers, 2 diced garlic cloves and 4 chopped bacon slices. Cook until fragrant and soft for around 8 minutes.
Step 3: Add beans and canned tomatoes
Add a can of baked beans, a can of butter beans, a can of chopped tomatoes or fresh (if desired), 2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of cider to the pan.
Step 4: Add cooked sausages
Once everything in your pan is combined well, add your cooked sausages back into the pan.
Step 5: Bake in oven
Transfer your mixture into an oven-proof dish and bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until it begins to simmer and steam.
Step 6: Check casserole
After it reached simmering point, check on how it’s coming along by giving it a quick stir. If you’re happy that it’s warmed through you can serve. Alternatively, if you like your casserole to have a nice thick consistency continue onto the next step.
Step 7: Simmer casserole on stove
Place your pan with its contents back onto your stovetop over low-heat. Gently simmer with lid off for around another 15-20 minutes or until the liquids have reduced and thickened to your preference.
Step 8: Serve hot
Once that’s done, remove from heat and let it cool down for about 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your hearty sausage and bean casserole, it’s an easy and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch up your sausage and bean casserole recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that will give new life to this classic dish:
1. Vegetarian Sausages: For a meat-free version, try using vegetarian sausages. These can be found in most grocery stores and add a hearty texture to the casserole.
2. Cannellini Beans: Swap out butter beans for cannellini beans or any other type of white beans. They have a similar texture and flavor, but can add a bit of variety.
3. Chorizo: Add some Spanish flair by adding some sliced chorizo sausage to the mix. This will give the casserole a smoky and spicy kick.
4. Potatoes: Looking for more substance? Try adding diced potatoes to the casserole for a heartier meal.
5. Spicy Tomato Sauce: If you love heat, use a spicy tomato sauce instead of plain chopped tomatoes.
6. Italian Sausage: Make it an Italian sausage and bean casserole by substituting pork sausages with Italian sausages and using olive oil, garlic cloves, red peppers, and any other Italian seasoning you prefer.
These substitutions are just suggestions – feel free to experiment and create your own unique version!
Serving and Pairing
Friends, let me tell you about the perfect combination for our savory English Sausage and Bean Casserole. Pair it with freshly baked crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for royalty.
The deliciously rich flavors of the sausage bean casserole pair perfectly with a fresh green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Or, for something more robust, serve the casserole with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.
This hearty dish is perfect for cool nights and casual gatherings. Serve it family-style with a large serving spoon or ladle in individual portions for an elegant twist on comfort food.
For the adults looking for a drink pairing, I suggest reaching for a refreshing beer or crisp hard cider. The lightness of the beer and tartness of the cider complement the boldness of the sausage and Worcestershire sauce in this recipe.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this sausage bean casserole recipe is sure to please your hungry crowd. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different sides and drinks until you find your perfect pairing!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Don’t let the thought of reheating and storing your finished sausage and bean casserole deter you from making this tasty meal ahead of time. The beauty of this hearty dish is that it can easily be prepared in advance, stored, and reheated for convenience.
To make ahead, simply follow the instructions for the recipe how-to section, but stop before baking. Instead, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious when served.
When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and bake until heated through, which should take about 30 minutes. It’s also possible to reheat individual servings in the microwave until piping hot.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating in the microwave or oven, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
If you plan on freezing your casserole, wait until it has cooled completely before wrapping with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months without compromising taste quality.
Thawing is easy; just move it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight before reheating it per reheating instructions shared above. Once thawed and heated properly, sausage and bean casserole tastes just as good as freshly made straight out of the oven!
Overall, preparing your sausage and bean casserole ahead saves time in your busy daily routines! Reheating this savory homemade meal is just like taking out a ready-prepared meal from a shop freezers; so convenient for those busy midweek nights!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have your ingredients ready and your casserole is about to go into the oven, here are some tips for ensuring perfect results every time you make this English Sausage and Bean Casserole.
First, make sure to brown the sausages properly. This will add color and flavor which will enhance the overall taste of your dish. Use a non-stick pan over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and wait for it to sizzle before adding the sausages. Cook them for about 10 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Second, don’t just dump all the ingredients in the casserole dish without layering them first. Layering the ingredients can help distribute the flavors evenly and prevent any dry spots in the casserole. First, add a layer of chopped onions, then a layer of bacon or chorizo, followed by a layer of sausages, beans, and then the tomato-cider sauce.
Third, don’t forget to deglaze your pan after browning the sausages. Deglazing helps remove all those delicious bits stuck at the bottom of your pan and incorporates them into your sauce. Pour a cup of cider or broth into the pan while scraping off those bits with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Fourth, be careful not to overcook your casserole. Keep an eye on it and check that it’s not drying out too much. If it appears too dry, you can always add more broth or tomato sauce as needed.
Fifth, let your casserole rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and settle down properly.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious English Sausage and Bean Casserole worthy of any British pub!
FAQ
As a chef, I understand that cooking can have its challenges. You might encounter some hurdles along the way, especially if you’re preparing a dish for the first time. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about preparing an English Sausage and Bean Casserole recipe. These questions will guide you through some of the most common issues that cooks face while preparing this savory casserole recipe. Read along to clear any doubts or queries lingering in your mind.
What is a British casserole?
Casseroles in certain English-speaking countries, such as Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, consist of meat or chicken, vegetables, and gravy-like sauce, and are typically served in a single pan. Therefore, this recipe for a British Sausage Casserole is essentially a stew made with sausages.
How do you make Mary Berry sausage casserole?
For this recipe, we will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to begin with. Next, we will slice two large onions lengthways into wedges and dice two red peppers, making sure to remove the seeds. We will also chop two garlic cloves and a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves.
For the main component of this dish, we will use 500g or 1lb 2oz of baby new potatoes which we will need to halve. Additionally, we will need 12 sausages, which we should prick with a fork to ensure they cook thoroughly. Lastly, we will need 200ml or 7fl oz of white wine to bring out the flavour in the dish.
How do you thicken sausage casserole?
Hey there! Want to add some thickness to the casserole gravy? No worries, I got you covered. Firstly, wait until the full cooking time is over. Then, in a separate bowl mix 1 tablespoon of cornflour with 1 tablespoon of water and make sure there are no lumps left. Next, pour this mixture into the casserole and cook it on high heat without the lid on. Within 15 to 30 minutes, the gravy will thicken beautifully while you focus on making those yummy side dishes.
Can you make Alton Brown green bean casserole ahead of time?
Planning ahead is important when you’re preparing a casserole, and there’s good news for anyone who wants to make a green bean casserole: you can assemble the green bean portion up to 24 hours before baking! Simply refrain from adding the top onions until you’re prepared to bake the dish. To ensure your casserole is perfectly cooked, let it stand for about one hour after removing it from the refrigerator before placing it in the oven. This recipe was originally featured in Season 11 of Good Eats.
Bottom Line
So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this hearty and flavorful English Sausage and Bean Casserole Recipe! It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. Plus, with the many variations and substitutions available, you can always mix things up to suit your tastes.
Whether you choose to make it classic with pork sausages and butter beans or get creative with chorizo and cannellini beans, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, turn on some good music, and let the aromas fill your kitchen.
With just one taste of this savory dish, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved staple of British cuisine. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
English Sausage and Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cumberland sausages
- 2 onions, chopped
- 16 ounces butter beans (I used tinned)
- 16 ounces baked beans (tinned)
- 1/2 of chopped garlic clove (my mum said half but I like to use a whole clove)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 (440 ml) can cider
- 12 slices bacon
- 2 pints chicken stock
- 16 ounces of tinned chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Grill the sausages until brown.
- Fry the chopped onions with the garlic and bacon.
- In a large saucepan add all the ingredients except only add half the stock. Bring to the boil and then simmer slowly.
- The recipe doesn't tell you how long to simmer for but sometimes I serve after 20-30 mins or so. If I keep it on for longer I haven't managed to overcook it yet. I just add in the rest of the stock as and when required if I'm waiting for guests to arrive.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.