Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
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Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe

This rich slow cooker sausage casserole is made with pork sausages, cannellini beans, carrots, and a smoky tomato sauce. It needs just 15 minutes of prep before the slow cooker does the rest over 6 to 8 hours. Serves 6 and comes in at 363 kcal per serving.

I put this on before work and come home to a kitchen that smells incredible. It also works well on the hob if you need it ready in about an hour.

Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Ingredients

  • 2 tsp sunflower oil
  • 450g pork sausages (6 to 8)
  • 1 large red onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 800g tinned chopped tomatoes
  • 400g tinned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
  • 1 beef stock cube, crumbled
  • 300g carrots, peeled and chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole

  1. Brown the sausages: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the sausages until browned on all sides, then set them aside.
  2. Load the slow cooker: Place the browned sausages in your slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, stock cube, and carrots.
  3. Stir and season: Mix everything together until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper. Secure the lid.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the carrots are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Serve: Stir well before serving. Cut the sausages into bite-sized pieces with kitchen scissors if you prefer. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

What Are the Best Tips for Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole?

  • Always brown the sausages first: This takes five minutes but adds a huge amount of flavour. It also gives the sausages a firmer texture so they hold their shape during the long cook.
  • Choose the right sausages: A good quality pork sausage like Cumberland or Lincolnshire works best. They have a high meat content and hold together well in the slow cooker.
  • Add chorizo for extra flavour: Chop about 100g of chorizo and brown it with the sausages. It adds a smoky, spicy depth to the whole casserole.
  • Swap the beans: Cannellini beans work well here, but butter beans, haricot beans, or chickpeas are all good alternatives. For a meat-free version, try our vegetarian sausage casserole.
  • Skip browning on busy days: If you are short on time, add the raw sausages straight to the slow cooker. The flavour will be milder but the casserole will still taste great.
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe

What Should You Serve on the Side?

This casserole is filling enough on its own, but a few sides make it even better. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice will soak up the smoky sauce. A jacket potato is another great option for a bigger meal.

For something lighter, serve with steamed green beans or peas to add colour and freshness. A thick slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for mopping up the last of the sauce. If you want a starter, a bowl of leek and potato soup pairs well. For another hearty main, try the beef stew and dumplings.

How Should You Store Leftovers?

Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan on the hob over medium heat, or microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring halfway.

This casserole freezes very well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat thoroughly on the hob until piping hot.

Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 363 kcal
  • Protein: 17g
  • Total Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Sodium: 722mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this on the hob instead?

Yes. Brown the sausages in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for about 1 hour until the carrots are tender.

How can I thicken a watery casserole?

Remove the lid for the last 30 to 60 minutes of cooking to let the sauce reduce. You can also stir in a cornflour slurry for a thicker consistency.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, swap the pork sausages for your favourite vegetarian brand and use a vegetable stock cube instead of beef. Try our vegetarian sausage casserole for a full recipe.

How does this compare to the original Hairy Bikers recipe?

The BBC original is a stovetop recipe with bacon and butter beans. This version adapts it for the slow cooker with smoked paprika and cannellini beans for a richer, hands-off result.

Should I cook on high or low?

High takes about 6 hours and low takes about 8 hours. Low gives a slightly richer flavour as the ingredients simmer more gently.

Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time:6 hours Rest time: minutesTotal time:6 hours 15 minutesCooking Temp: CServings:6 servingsEstimated Cost: $Calories:363 kcal Best Season:Autumn

Description

A rich slow cooker sausage casserole made with pork sausages, cannellini beans, carrots, and a smoky tomato sauce. Just 15 minutes prep for a savoury, warming dinner.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausages: Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook until browned on all sides, then set aside.
  2. Load the slow cooker: Place the sausages in the slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, beans, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, paprika, stock cube, and carrots.
  3. Stir and season: Mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper. Secure the lid.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours until the carrots are tender.
  5. Serve: Stir well. Cut sausages into pieces with kitchen scissors if preferred. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

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