Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole

The Hairy Bikers' Sausage Casserole is a hearty and warming dish, perfect for those looking for a comforting meal during the colder months. Originating from the renowned cooking duo, the Hairy Bikers, this recipe is a testament to their commitment to creating delicious and accessible comfort food. The dish combines succulent sausages with a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce, enhanced by a variety of herbs and a hint of sweetness from dark brown muscovado sugar. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to include your favorite types of sausages and beans, making it a staple in any home cook's repertoire.

Ingredients for the Sausage Casserole

• Sunflower oil: 1-2 tbsp
• Pork sausages (good quality): 12, weighing approximately 400g to 600g
• Streaky bacon, rindless, cut into 2.5cm/1in lengths: 6 rashers
• Medium onions, thinly sliced: 2
• Garlic cloves, crushed: 2
• Hot chilli powder or smoked paprika: ½–1 tsp
• Chopped tomatoes (1 x 400g/14oz can)
• Chicken stock: 300ml/10fl oz
• Tomato purée: 2 tbsp
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
• Dark brown muscovado sugar: 1 tbsp
• Dried mixed herbs: 1 tsp
• Bay leaves: 2
• Fresh thyme sprigs: 3–4
• Red or white wine (optional): 100ml/3½fl oz
• Butter beans or mixed beans (1 x 400g/14oz can)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation Instructions

1. Start by heating the oil in a large frying pan to fry the sausages until browned, then set aside.
2. In the same pan, fry the bacon pieces until they begin to crisp.
3. Sauté the onions until soft, then add the garlic, chili powder or paprika, and cook for a few more seconds.
4. Incorporate the tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, herbs, and wine or water. Bring to a simmer.
5. Combine the sausages and bacon with the sauce, cover, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the rinsed beans to the casserole and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Storage and Reheating

The sausage casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat thoroughly in a microwave or oven until piping hot throughout.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in protein and provides a comforting balance of flavors and textures. The exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients used but expect a hearty serving to contain significant amounts of calories, protein, and fats along with essential vitamins and minerals provided by the vegetables and beans.

FAQ about the Sausage Casserole

• Can I use different types of sausages? Yes, you can use your preferred type of sausage, adjusting cooking times if necessary.
• Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian? While the original recipe is meat-based, you can substitute vegetarian sausages and a suitable stock to cater to vegetarian diets.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely. Feel free to include additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to increase the dish's nutritional value.

The original recipe for this delightful sausage casserole can be found on BBC's website, showcasing the Hairy Bikers' knack for creating dishes that are both satisfying and straightforward to prepare