Name: Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
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; 400g tin of chopped tomatoes; 500ml vegetable stock; 2 tbsp tomato purée; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp dried rosemary; 2 potatoes, peeled and diced; 400g tin of butter beans, drained (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste

This hearty vegetarian sausage casserole is made with veggie sausages, carrots, potatoes, tinned tomatoes, and smoked paprika. It cooks in one pot on the hob in under an hour and serves 4 to 6. A filling, meat-free comfort food that comes in at around 300 kcal per serving.

I make this on chilly weeknights when I want something warm and filling without much effort. It also works brilliantly in a slow cooker if you prefer to leave it bubbling away all day.

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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
400g tin of chopped tomatoes
500ml vegetable stock
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
400g tin of butter beans, drained (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Recipe

How to Make Vegetarian Sausage Casserole

Brown the sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Cook the vegetarian sausages for 5 to 7 minutes, turning until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Soften the vegetables: In the same pan, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Build the sauce: Stir in the tomato purée and smoked paprika, then cook for one minute. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add extra flavour.
Simmer the casserole: Return the sausages to the pan. Add the diced potatoes and butter beans if using. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 25 to 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Check and serve: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

What Are the Best Tips for Vegetarian Sausage Casserole?

Choose the right sausages: Quorn, Linda McCartney, and Richmond Meat Free all hold their shape well in a casserole. Pick a brand with a firm texture so they do not fall apart during the long simmer.
Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the sausages and soften the veg on the hob first. Transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Try our slow cooker sausage casserole for a meat version.
Add beans for extra protein: Butter beans or cannellini beans make this casserole more filling. Drain a 400g tin and stir them in with the tomatoes.
Use potatoes to thicken: Dice the potatoes into small chunks so some break down during cooking. This thickens the sauce naturally without needing flour or cornflour.
Make it vegan: Most vegetarian sausages are already vegan, but check the label for egg or dairy. Serve with dairy-free mash or crusty bread to keep the whole meal plant-based.

What Should You Serve on the Side?

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but a few sides make it even better. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice will soak up the rich sauce. A jacket potato also works well for a more filling dinner.

For something lighter, serve with steamed broccoli or green beans to add freshness and colour. A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the last of the sauce. On cooler evenings, start with a bowl of leek and potato soup before the main course.

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

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 300 kcal
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Dietary Fibre: 8g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 15g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tinned? Yes, use about 800g of ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped. You may need to simmer for a little longer to let them break down fully.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole? Yes, parsnips, mushrooms, and courgette all work well. Cut them to a similar size so they cook evenly.

How does this compare to the original meat sausage casserole? The original Hairy Bikers version uses pork sausages, bacon, and butter beans in a richer sauce. This vegetarian version swaps in veggie sausages and root vegetables for a lighter, meat-free alternative.

What other Hairy Bikers casserole recipes can I try? For a meat version, try our slow cooker sausage casserole. For another warming one-pot meal, the beef stew and dumplings is a family favourite.

How do I thicken a watery casserole? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also mash a few potato chunks against the side of the pan or stir in a cornflour slurry.

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