Mary Berry Sausage Casserole has been my go-to for a comforting family meal since I first tried it years ago. The aroma of browning sausages and savory vegetables simmering together always makes my kitchen feel so warm and inviting. I remember the first time I made it for a chilly autumn evening; the rich, tomatoey sauce and tender chunks of sausage were an instant hit with everyone. It’s such an easy Mary Berry sausage casserole to pull together, even on a busy weeknight. You’ll love how simple it is to create a truly satisfying dinner that tastes like it took hours. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
This dish is a true winner for so many reasons. It’s the kind of comforting meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Here’s why it’s quickly become a favorite in my kitchen:
- Effortless to make: It’s a straightforward, no-fuss recipe perfect for busy evenings.
- Hearty and satisfying: Packed with flavorful sausages and wholesome vegetables, it’s a complete meal.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the combination of tender sausages and rich sauce.
- Versatile: This Mary Berry sausage bake recipe is easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables or sausage types.
- Great for meal prep: You can make it ahead, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Deliciously comforting: The savory aroma and rich flavors are pure comfort food.
- Authentic Mary Berry style: Enjoy a classic dish that lives up to its reputation.
- Perfect for a crowd: This Mary Berry sausage bake recipe scales up beautifully for gatherings.
Ingredients for Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Gathering these simple items is the first step to creating your own delicious Mary Berry sausage casserole. Having all your Mary Berry sausage casserole ingredients ready makes the cooking process so much smoother.
- 6 pork sausages – about 1 lb total; good quality ones make a big difference!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for browning the sausages and sautéing the veggies
- 1 onion, finely chopped – about 1 cup, provides a sweet base
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – adds that essential savory depth
- 1 carrot, diced – about 1/2 cup, for a touch of sweetness and texture
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – about 1 cup, adds color and a slight sweetness
- 1 zucchini, diced – about 1 cup, for added nutrients and a tender bite
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes – forms the rich, tangy sauce base
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée – intensifies the tomato flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – classic herb pairing with tomato and sausage
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – adds a lovely smoky depth
- Salt and pepper to taste – season as you go
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock – helps create a luscious sauce
- 1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – adds creaminess and fiber
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – for a burst of freshness at the end
How to Make Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Ready to create this comforting dish? Following these Mary Berry sausage casserole instructions will lead you to a delicious, hearty meal.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Get your oven nice and hot so the casserole bakes evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the 6 pork sausages and cook until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This step builds a fantastic flavor base. Remove the sausages and set them aside for later.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the 1 onion, finely chopped, and 2 garlic cloves, minced. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and smell wonderfully fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the 1 carrot, diced, 1 red bell pepper, diced, and 1 zucchini, diced. Cook these vegetables for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. The kitchen will start to fill with a lovely aroma.
- Step 5: Pour in the 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato purée, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Step 6: Add the 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock and the 1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed. Give it all a good mix until well combined. These Mary Berry sausage casserole instructions are designed for maximum flavor!
- Step 7: Return the browned sausages to the skillet, nestling them down into the vegetable and tomato mixture. Make sure they’re mostly submerged for even cooking.
- Step 8: Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbling hot and the sauce to have thickened beautifully. These are key Mary Berry sausage casserole instructions for a perfect finish.
- Step 9: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Want to elevate your Mary Berry sausage casserole? These Mary Berry sausage casserole tips and tricks will ensure a delicious outcome every time. It’s all about attention to detail!
- Always use good quality pork sausages; they really make a difference to the overall flavor.
- Don’t skip browning the sausages! This step creates a deep, savory foundation for the entire casserole.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or leeks for extra flavor and texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before baking; a little extra salt or pepper can go a long way.
What’s the secret to perfect Mary Berry sausage casserole?
The secret to the best Mary Berry sausage casserole lies in browning the sausages well and allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken properly. Using quality ingredients makes all the difference for that perfect flavor. For more insights into achieving culinary perfection, explore our collection of recipes.
Can I make Mary Berry sausage casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal for Mary Berry sausage casserole for family gatherings. Assemble the casserole completely, let it cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mary Berry sausage casserole?
A common pitfall is not browning the sausages enough, which impacts flavor. Also, ensure your sauce is thick enough before baking, or it might be too watery. This easy Mary Berry sausage casserole recipe is forgiving, but these points help! If you’re looking for other hearty meals, consider our Turkey Meatloaf Recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Serving this hearty Mary Berry Sausage Casserole is all about complementing its rich flavors. These Mary Berry sausage casserole serving suggestions will help you create a complete and satisfying meal.
- Creamy mashed potatoes: A classic pairing, the fluffy potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
- Crusty bread: Have a loaf of warm, crusty bread on hand for dipping – it’s essential for getting every last bit of sauce!
- Steamed green vegetables: A side of simple steamed broccoli or green beans adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Nutrition Facts for Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
This hearty Mary Berry sausage casserole is a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Mary Berry sausage casserole. For more information on healthy eating, you might find resources on weight loss recipes helpful.
How to Store and Reheat Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Leftovers of this delicious Mary Berry sausage casserole are just as good, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for a busy Mary Berry sausage casserole dinner. Once cooked, let the casserole cool slightly before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Your Mary Berry sausage casserole will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the casserole for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s properly cooled before freezing to maintain quality.
Reheating is simple! For refrigerated portions, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat or reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. Then, reheat as you would a refrigerated portion. You can also reheat directly from frozen in a covered ovenproof dish at 160°C (325°F) for 40-50 minutes, or until piping hot. If you enjoy comforting bakes, you might also like our Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
What kind of sausages are best for Mary Berry sausage casserole?
For the best Mary Berry sausage casserole, I recommend using good quality pork sausages. They have a great flavor and texture that holds up well during baking. You can also use a half-and-half mix of pork and beef sausages for a deeper flavor profile. If you’re looking for a different taste, consider trying a Cumberland or Lincolnshire sausage for an authentic British feel.
How do I make Mary Berry sausage casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Mary Berry sausage casserole, simply swap the pork sausages for your favorite vegetarian or vegan sausages. There are some fantastic plant-based options available now that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional sausages really well. Ensure you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free meal.
Can I add different vegetables to this Mary Berry sausage casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables that you enjoy. Diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even some sturdy greens like kale can be wonderful additions. Just make sure to dice them to a similar size as the other vegetables so they cook evenly. This is a great way to customize your Mary Berry sausage casserole. For another vegetable-forward dish, check out our Crispy Roasted Cauliflower.
How long should I bake the Mary Berry sausage casserole?
The baking time for this Mary Berry sausage casserole is typically around 40-45 minutes at 180°C (350°F). You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbling and has thickened nicely, and the sausages are cooked through. If you’ve added denser vegetables like potatoes, you might need to bake it a little longer to ensure they are tender. Always check that the sausages are fully cooked before serving.
Variations of Mary Berry Sausage Casserole You Can Try
Feeling adventurous? These Mary Berry sausage casserole variations let you put your own spin on this classic dish. Whether you’re looking for a dietary swap or a flavor boost, there’s a perfect option for you.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper along with the garlic for a touch of heat. This transforms it into a fiery Mary Berry sausage casserole.
- Smoky Chorizo Swap: For a deeply smoky and slightly spicy flavor, try using chorizo sausages instead of pork sausages in this Mary Berry pork sausage casserole variation.
- Hearty Bean Boost: Enhance the Mary Berry sausage and bean casserole by adding a second can of beans, like kidney beans or black beans, for extra protein and fiber.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or a splash of heavy cream just before serving for a richer, more luxurious sauce.
Mary Berry Sausage Casserole: Easy, Hearty Meal
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mary Berry Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners. This easy recipe features juicy sausages, tender vegetables, and a savory tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 pork sausages (or your choice of sausage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the diced carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken or vegetable stock and rinsed cannellini beans. Mix thoroughly.
- Return the browned sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the mixture.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and thickened.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use high-quality, flavorful sausages.
- Adjust spices to your preference, adding chili flakes for heat if desired.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added during cooking for extra aroma.
- The casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked when ready.
- Ensure sausages are fully cooked before serving; a meat thermometer should read at least 75°C (165°F).
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free sausages and checking other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
