Mary Berry Beef Sausage Casserole
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
This Mary Berry Beef Sausage Casserole is a classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, it's a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory flavors that warm the soul
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
- A family favorite that everyone will enjoy
The Perfect Comfort Food
When the weather turns chilly or when you're simply in need of some comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty casserole. This Mary Berry Beef Sausage Casserole is the epitome of comfort, combining succulent beef sausages with a medley of flavorful vegetables in a rich sauce. It's the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and leaves them feeling satisfied and content.
Casseroles are known for their ability to meld flavors beautifully, and this recipe is no exception. The slow simmering allows the ingredients to harmonize, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the best things about this beef sausage casserole is its versatility. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge and even freezes beautifully. Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. You can easily reheat individual portions for a quick and satisfying meal that tastes just as good as the first time around.
Additionally, this dish is a great canvas for creativity. Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to give it your own twist. This flexibility ensures that you can adapt the recipe to your family's tastes or whatever ingredients are available, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your dining experience, consider serving the beef sausage casserole with a side of crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes. The rich sauce is perfect for mopping up with bread, while creamy mashed potatoes can complement the dish's hearty flavors wonderfully. A simple side salad can also add freshness and balance to the meal.
For a complete meal, pair the casserole with your favorite green vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans. This way, you not only enhance the nutritional profile of your dinner but also add a splash of color to your plate. Don't forget a glass of red wine for the adults—it pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the casserole!
Ingredients
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 beef sausages
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 250ml beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
Brown the Sausages
In a large skillet, cook the sausages over medium heat until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
Combine Ingredients
Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
Add Sausages and Bake
Return the browned sausages to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, then transfer to an oven-proof dish and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
Serve hot, preferably with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Benefits
This Mary Berry Beef Sausage Casserole is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. The inclusion of vegetables like carrots and bell peppers adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the dish, making it a wholesome choice for family meals. The beef sausages provide protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and overall health.
Moreover, preparing meals at home allows you to have control over the ingredients, ensuring that you avoid preservatives and added sugars often found in store-bought options. This makes your casserole not only a comforting dish but also a healthier one, tailored to your family's dietary needs.
Tips for Success
For a richer flavor profile, consider browning the sausages in a little olive oil before adding the vegetables. This step enhances the overall taste and adds a lovely depth to the casserole. Additionally, don't rush the simmering process; allowing the ingredients to meld together is key to achieving that comforting, home-cooked flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the beef stock slightly or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. This will help achieve the desired consistency without sacrificing any flavor. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences!
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this casserole to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, adding some chili flakes or sliced jalapeños can spice things up. Alternatively, for a more Mediterranean twist, consider adding olives or feta cheese before baking. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different flavors can make this dish a new favorite each time you prepare it.
For a lighter version, you can swap out the beef sausages for chicken or turkey sausages, which can reduce the fat content while still providing great taste. This adaptability means that you can enjoy this hearty casserole regardless of dietary preferences, making it a delightful choice for gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of sausages?
Yes, feel free to use chicken or pork sausages according to your preference.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute sausages with plant-based options and use vegetable stock.
→ Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
→ What sides go well with this casserole?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad work perfectly.
Mary Berry Beef Sausage Casserole
A hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Created by: Imogen Price
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 6 beef sausages
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 250ml beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, cook the sausages over medium heat until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
Return the browned sausages to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, then transfer to an oven-proof dish and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 22g