This hearty sausage casserole is a real comfort food. With tasty sausages, fresh veggies, and a rich sauce, it warms you up on chilly days.
It’s super easy to make! Just toss everything together, let it simmer, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal. Perfect for busy nights when you want something cozy and satisfying! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: Use your favorite type, like pork, chicken, or even plant-based sausage. I enjoy a nice spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor, but feel free to choose mild if you prefer less heat.
Onion: Yellow onions are great, but red onions can add a sweet touch too. If you’re allergic or sensitive, try using leeks or shallots instead.
Carrots and Potatoes: Both are classic, but you can swap in parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist. If you’re looking for an easier prep, use frozen diced veggies!
Puff Pastry: While puff pastry creates a lovely flaky top, you can use biscuit dough or even a simple pie crust if that’s what you have on hand. And if you’re gluten-free, there are ready-made options available too!
Broth: If you’re vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth. For extra flavor, you can make your own broth with vegetable scraps or use bouillon cubes!
How Do I Make Sure My Puff Pastry is Perfect?
Getting that golden puff pastry topping just right is simple! Here are some tips:
- Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. This ensures it puffs up nicely in the oven.
- Roll it out gently if needed, but avoid overworking it. Less handling keeps it flakey!
- Brushing the top with egg wash gives a beautiful golden color when baked. You can also use milk for a dairy-free option.
- Don’t forget to cut slits in the pastry! This allows steam to escape and prevents it from getting soggy.
Trust me, these little touches will make your casserole shine! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Simple Sausage Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) sausage links or sausage meat, sliced or broken into chunks
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry (or enough to cover the top of your casserole dish)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Bread slices, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple sausage casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a delicious meal within 45 minutes! Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers the next day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Before starting your cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your casserole.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook them until browned all over. This step adds flavor! Once browned, remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion softens, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add Flavorings:
Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme or mixed herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned sausage to the pan. Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir everything well, and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer for a few minutes.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Add the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface if needed, and place it over the casserole dish, trimming away any excess pastry. Make sure the edges are sealed nicely!
8. Egg Wash for Golden Crust:
Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg. This will give it a lovely golden color as it bakes.
9. Vent the Pastry:
Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits into the pastry. This allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess.
10. Bake:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it set before serving.
12. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your comforting casserole hot, and don’t forget to serve it with slices of bread for dipping!
Enjoy your comforting and simple sausage casserole! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite sausages, whether they’re pork, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based options. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using a type that requires longer preparation.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the sausage with a variety of vegetables or plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skip the egg wash, opting for a bit of olive oil on top for color.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage and vegetable filling a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and assemble with the puff pastry just before baking for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven or microwave until heated through. If baked in an oven-safe dish, reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
