A sausage casserole is a hearty and comforting dish made with sausages as the main ingredient, usually combined with vegetables, beans, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a versatile meal that can be tailored to various tastes and preferences. Here’s a basic overview of how you might prepare a sausage casserole:

Basic Sausage Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) sausages (pork, chicken, or your choice)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans or other beans of choice, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups (500 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the sausages:
   • In a large oven-safe casserole dish or a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sausages and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the dish and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables:
   • In the same dish, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
   • Add the carrots and bell peppers, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Combine ingredients:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
   • Add the chopped tomatoes, beans, and stock. Mix well to combine.
   • Return the sausages to the dish, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
   • Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Variations:

• Add potatoes: For a more filling meal, add chunks of potatoes to the casserole.
• Spice it up: Add chili flakes or use spicy sausages for a bit of heat.
• Different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

Sausage casserole is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner and makes excellent leftovers.