There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty casserole, and when it features good-quality sausages, tender potatoes, sweet onions, and vibrant green beans, you know you’re in for a treat. Warming Sausage casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together, filling the kitchen with inviting aromas and the promise of a satisfying meal. It’s fuss-free, packed with flavour, and topped with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb crust that adds the perfect crunch to every bite.
At the heart of this dish are the sausages. The key is to use good-quality ones, full of rich, well-seasoned meat, as they will impart their delicious flavour to the entire casserole. Sliced into hearty chunks, they mingle with the other ingredients, soaking up the delicious stock as they cook. Whether you opt for classic pork sausages, herby Cumberland or even a smoky variety, they will each add their own unique depth to the dish.
The supporting ingredients are just as important. Soft, buttery potatoes add substance, soaking up the juices and becoming meltingly tender in the oven. Sweet onions caramelise slightly, blending beautifully with the savoury stock, while green beans add a burst of freshness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. A rich stock, whether it be chicken or beef, brings everything together, ensuring every bite is infused with deliciousness.
And then, of course, there’s the topping—a layer of breadcrumbs and cheese that crisps up beautifully in the oven. This contrast between the soft, hearty filling and the crunchy, golden crust is what truly makes this dish special. A sharp cheddar or a nutty Gruyère works wonders, giving the dish an irresistible savoury finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Warming Sausage casserole is the ultimate adaptable dish. It’s one of those meals that works just as well on a busy weeknight as it does for a cosy Sunday dinner. You can throw everything together in one dish, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic. It’s also a fantastic way to use up whatever you have on hand—switch out the green beans for peas, swap potatoes for root vegetables, or add a touch of spice with a pinch of paprika or mustard.
Perhaps the best part of this dish is how it brings warmth and comfort to the table. Whether served with crusty bread to mop up the rich sauce or simply enjoyed on its own, it’s a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings, lazy weekends, or whenever you need something truly satisfying, sausage casserole is a timeless classic that never fails to please.
Warming Sausage Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 large sausages good-quality cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 200 g green beans trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 500 ml chicken stock or beef stock
- 1 tsp mustard optional, for extra depth
- 1 tsp paprika optional, for a touch of warmth
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 100 g cheddar grated or Gruyere cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof dish over medium heat.1 tbsp olive oil
- Add the sausage chunks and cook until browned.6 large sausages
- Remove the sausages and set aside. In the same dish, sauté the onions until soft and slightly caramelised.1 large onion
- Add the potatoes and green beans, stirring to combine.4 medium potatoes, 200 g green beans
- Pour in the stock, add the sausages back in and season with salt, pepper, mustard and paprika if using.500 ml chicken stock, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp paprika, salt, pepper
- Cover and bake in the oven for 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the cover, sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and grated cheese, and return to the oven for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.100 g breadcrumbs, 100 g cheddar
- Serve hot, either on its own or with crusty bread.