This hearty Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole is made with rich vegetarian sausages, a blend of root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, canned tomatoes, and savory herbs. This recipe creates a thick, warming, and comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The result is a simple yet deeply satisfying casserole that’s a fantastic meat-free alternative for a family-style dinner, with enough to serve 4 to 6 people.
Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 sticks of celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 8 vegetarian sausages (or 16 smaller ones)
- 400g can of chopped tomatoes
- 500ml vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs (or fresh rosemary and thyme)
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced (optional, to thicken the stew)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole
- Brown the sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add the vegetarian sausages and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides. Remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the sauce: Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a minute before pouring in the canned chopped tomatoes and the vegetable stock. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add extra flavor to the sauce. Add the dried herbs and season with salt and black pepper.
- Simmer the casserole: Return the browned vegetarian sausages to the pan. If you are using diced potatoes, add them now. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the casserole cook for 25-30 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Check to make sure the vegetables and sausages are tender and cooked through. If the sauce is too thin, you can continue to simmer with the lid off for a few minutes to reduce. Serve the hot casserole in bowls.
Recipe Tips
- Brown the sausages properly: For the best texture, take the time to brown your vegetarian sausages on all sides. This gives them a firm exterior and prevents them from becoming mushy during the long simmer.
- Chop vegetables evenly: Dicing your carrots, celery, and potatoes into similar-sized pieces ensures that they all cook at the same rate and become tender at the same time.
- Personalize your veg: This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or a handful of button mushrooms to bulk up the casserole and add more texture.
- Control the thickness: The potatoes will naturally thicken the stew as they break down. If you want a thicker sauce without using potatoes, you can make a simple paste of a tablespoon of flour mixed with a little water and stir it in during the final minutes of cooking.
What To Serve Sausage Casserole
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even more satisfying with a few side dishes. Serve it with a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple bowl of fluffy rice to soak up the rich, savory sauce. For a bit of contrast, a side of steamed greens like broccoli or green beans adds freshness and color. A generous piece of crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up every last drop.
How To Store Sausage Casserole Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It makes a fantastic meal for lunch the next day and the flavors will only improve over time. Freeze: This is a great dish for freezing. Once cooled, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a saucepan on the stove.
Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the best type of vegetarian sausage to use? Look for a high-quality vegetarian sausage that holds its shape well when cooked. Different brands have different textures and flavors, so choose one you enjoy. Sausages made with soy protein or mushrooms often work well in this type of casserole.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can. Use about 800g of ripe, fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped. The cooking time might need to be slightly longer to allow them to break down fully and release their juices.
- Is it possible to cook this in a slow cooker? Yes, this is an ideal recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausages and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the vegetables are tender.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Turkey Burgers Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Oxtail Stew Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Mulligatawny Recipe
Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Recipe
Description
A warming and hearty Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole, packed with savory vegetarian sausages, root vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausages: Heat oil and cook sausages until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Cook onion, carrots, and celery in the same pan until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Create the sauce: Stir in tomato purée, then add chopped tomatoes, stock, herbs, and seasonings.
- Simmer the casserole: Return the sausages to the pan along with the potatoes. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, with your favorite sides.
