The Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole is an incredibly indulgent and deeply flavorful comfort food recipe that truly deserves a place in your culinary repertoire. If you’re new to the world of Hairy Bikers recipes, prepare for a delightful journey into hearty, home-cooked British classics. This particular sausage and butter bean casserole, enriched with smoky bacon, aromatic onions, pungent garlic, and a blend of savory herbs, promises a delicious and satisfying family dinner. While this original sausage casserole BBC Good Food recipe was crafted with a UK audience in mind, we’ll guide you through making it perfectly, no matter which side of the pond you’re on, ensuring everyone can enjoy this warming dish.
The Heartwarming Appeal of Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
There’s something uniquely comforting about a sausage casserole bubbling gently on the hob, filling your kitchen with its inviting aromas. This particular iteration, inspired by the beloved Hairy Bikers, elevates a simple dish into a rich, complex meal. Dave Myers and Si King, the Hairy Bikers, are celebrated for their approachable, hearty cooking style, often drawing inspiration from traditional British fare. Their sausage casserole recipe is no exception, embodying the essence of wholesome, fuss-free cooking that delivers maximum flavor.
This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine tender, succulent sausages nestled in a rich tomato and herb sauce, complemented by crispy bacon and creamy butter beans. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or a gathering with loved ones. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for minor tweaks to suit personal preferences or available ingredients, making it a staple in many households.
Essential Ingredients for Your Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
The original sausage casserole Hairy Bikers recipe, which gained fame from the “Mums Know Best” episode on BBC, calls for a careful selection of ingredients that combine to create its distinctive depth. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to recreate this magnificent cassoulet:
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive oil or sunflower oil are excellent choices for browning)
- 5-12 good quality pork sausages (for US cooks, 5-6 Italian sausages work wonderfully; for those in the UK, 12 chipolatas or a few Cumberland links are ideal)
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch (2.54cm) pieces (thick-cut bacon adds robust flavor, or use rindless streaky bacon for a leaner option)
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced, providing a sweet base to the dish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, for an aromatic punch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, crucial for that characteristic smoky depth
- 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (400g), forming the rich base of the sauce
- 1 ¼ cups chicken stock, adding savory liquid and enhancing flavor
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste, to intensify the tomato flavor and thicken the sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, for an unmistakable umami kick
- 1 tablespoon sugar (either brown sugar or dark brown muscovado sugar), to balance the acidity of the tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon each dried marjoram, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme – a classic herb blend for depth
- 2 bay leaves, for subtle herbal notes during simmering
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs, for a vibrant, fresh aroma
- 3½ fluid ounces red wine (approximately 0.4 cup), to deglaze and add complexity (optional, but highly recommended)
- 14 ounce can butter beans, drained (400g), for creaminess and substance
- Salt and pepper, to taste, for perfect seasoning
Smart Recipe Substitutions and Customizations
Adapting recipes to what’s available in your local grocery store or pantry is a key part of cooking. For this Hairy Bikers casserole, some ingredients might require a creative swap depending on your region. For instance, the popular chipolata sausages in the UK are smaller and leaner than most American sausages. They taste somewhat similar to American Italian sausages but are roughly the size of breakfast sausages. If using American Italian sausages, using 5-6 will be sufficient for the richness and bulk of the dish, whereas the UK recipe specifies 12 chipolatas.
In the UK, you might also encounter Cumberland sausages, often sold in a long, coiled link. These are fantastic for flavor but will need to be cut into shorter, manageable pieces to integrate well into this casserole. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of good quality pork sausages to find your favorite flavor profile.
Canned butter beans, while a staple in some areas, can be challenging to locate in others. Some stores carry Goya brand butter beans, which are excellent. If they prove elusive, you have a couple of options: you can cook dried butter beans from scratch, then drain and measure out 1½ cups for the recipe. Alternatively, cannellini beans (white kidney beans) or another variety of white beans make an excellent, readily available substitute, offering a similar creamy texture.
The Hairy Bikers themselves suggest that the red wine in this recipe is optional, but many enthusiasts (including us!) agree that its inclusion adds an unparalleled depth and complexity to the sauce. It deglazes the pan, picking up all those delicious browned bits, and contributes a subtle tang that truly enhances the overall flavor. If red wine isn’t on hand, a dry white wine can also work, but avoid using beer, as its flavor profile tends to clash with the other ingredients in this dish.
Regarding paprika, while regular paprika is fine, the smoky undertones of smoked paprika are genuinely transformative in this casserole, adding a layer of flavor that’s hard to replicate. If you prefer a bit of heat, the Hairy Bikers suggest hot chili powder as an alternative to paprika.
Finally, for those who enjoy a heartier, carb-rich meal, you can easily transform this into a sausage casserole with potatoes. Simply omit the butter beans entirely and introduce some chopped potatoes when you add the chicken broth. They’ll cook down beautifully in the rich sauce, absorbing all the wonderful flavors and creating a wonderfully satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
Creating this delicious sausage and bean casserole Hairy Bikers’ style is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to bring this classic comfort food to your table:
Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole Recipe (Copycat)
Yields: 6 servings
Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive oil or sunflower oil)
- 5-12 good quality pork sausages (5-6 Italian sausages in US, 12 chipolatas in UK)
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch (2.54cm) pieces
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (400g)
- 1 ¼ cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (brown sugar or dark brown muscovado sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 3½ fluid ounces red wine (about 0.4 cup)
- 14 ounce can butter beans, drained (400g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment:
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven (or large flameproof casserole dish)
- Knife
Instructions:
- Heat the cooking oil over medium heat in a cast iron frying pan. Add the sausages and brown them thoroughly for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even browning. Once nicely browned, transfer the sausages to a Dutch oven or a large flameproof casserole dish (ensuring it’s safe for stovetop use) and set aside.
- In the same frying pan, fry the bacon pieces until they are beautifully brown and crisp. This step renders out delicious bacon fat, which will be used for the onions. Add the crispy bacon to the sausages in the Dutch oven.
- Using the flavorful bacon fat remaining in the frying pan, add the thinly sliced onions. Fry them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn a lovely golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and all the dried herbs (marjoram, basil, oregano, thyme), along with the bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs. Pour in the red wine (if using) and bring the contents of the frying pan to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Carefully pour this rich tomato mixture from the frying pan over the sausages and bacon in the Dutch oven. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan loosely with a lid, allowing a little steam to escape, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Finally, stir the drained butter beans into the simmering casserole. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the beans are thoroughly heated through. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.
This savory casserole is a true delight! We particularly love serving it with crispy air fryer garlic bread and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s incredibly hearty and filling – the perfect meal for chilly evenings or a robust Sunday lunch. This dish easily ranks among our favorite casserole recipes, offering a rich, thick sauce that’s just slightly less dense than a traditional stew.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Casserole
How many calories are in a sausage casserole?
According to the original BBC Good Food recipe, one serving (1/6 of the casserole) provides approximately 423 calories, 23.5 grams of protein, and 16 grams of carbohydrates. Our copycat recipe, depending on the exact ingredients used, averages around 442 calories per serving. Remember, the precise calorie count can vary significantly based on the specific brands of sausages, bacon, and other ingredients you choose, as well as your precise portion size.
How long does sausage casserole last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your delicious sausage casserole will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it’s best to freeze it.
Can you freeze sausage casserole?
Absolutely! This sausage casserole recipe freezes exceptionally well, maintaining its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost the casserole in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. For reheating, individual portions can be quickly warmed in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or gently reheated on the stovetop until piping hot.
How to make a slow cooker sausage casserole Hairy Bikers recipe?
Converting this recipe into a slow cooker meal is simple and convenient. After completing the initial frying steps (browning sausages, crisping bacon, and sautéing onions and garlic), transfer all the fried ingredients, along with the tomato and herb mixture, to your crock pot instead of a Dutch oven. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. This hands-off method is perfect for busy days, allowing the flavors to slowly meld into a wonderfully rich casserole.
Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole is a fantastic level 3 recipe, suitable for weight maintenance and active lifestyles. While it is incredibly flavorful and satisfying, it is relatively high in fat due to the use of pork sausages and bacon. To balance your meal, this casserole truly shines when served with a side of bread, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it a complete and fulfilling dish.
If you’re looking to lighten up this hearty meal, there are several delicious modifications you can make. Consider swapping the pork sausages for leaner chicken or turkey sausages, or even making it a vegetarian sausage casserole using plant-based sausages. Another excellent option for reducing calories and increasing nutrient density is to take inspiration from a Hairy Dieters sausage casserole approach. This often involves using less oil, incorporating more vegetables like carrots and celery, and potentially omitting the bacon. For a specific example, you can find variations that add these extra vegetables to the dish, enhancing fiber and vitamins without sacrificing flavor.
Always remember that nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy and will vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. Food labels can sometimes be inaccurate, so focus more on balanced eating and enjoying your food than on sweating the exact numbers. “To taste” means adjusting seasoning to your personal preference, but always ensure food safety rules are followed, especially regarding doneness.
More Delicious Sausage Recipes to Explore
Once you’ve mastered this simple yet satisfying sausage casserole, you might be inspired to try more sausage-focused dishes. Here are some fantastic recipes that celebrate the versatility of sausage:
- Instant Pot Italian Sausage Soup – A quick and comforting soup, perfect for a busy weeknight.
- How to Cook Chicken Sausage – Learn the best methods for preparing lighter chicken sausages.
- Chicken Feta Sausage Recipe – A gourmet take on homemade sausage, bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
- Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers – A quick and easy one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.
- Pork Sausage in Air Fryer – Perfect for breakfast or as a quick snack component.
- Polish Sausage in Air Fryer – Another great air fryer option for a smoky, savory meal.
- Homemade Italian Fennel Sausage – This recipe would be absolutely perfect to use in this very casserole, offering superior flavor and freshness!
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