Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Recipe

This hearty, warming Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Recipe is made with meat-free sausages, mixed beans, and a rich tomato sauce, ready in just over an hour. The sauce thickens into a glossy, paprika-spiked glaze that clings to the browned sausages, creating a comforting finish. I love serving this on cold evenings when I need something filling but wholesome.

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Why This Classic Works

The Hairy Bikers are famous for their robust, flavour-packed dishes, and this vegetarian version of their classic sausage casserole delivers exactly that. The secret lies in treating the vegetables with the same respect as the meat; sweating the onions, celery, and carrots slowly creates a sweet, savoury base that mimics the depth usually provided by bacon fat.

I used to rush the initial frying stage, but I learned that taking the time to properly brown the vegetarian sausages before simmering them makes a huge difference. It gives them a better texture that holds up against the thick, smoky tomato sauce, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• 8 vegetarian sausages (choose a firm variety like soy or mycoprotein)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or sunflower oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 300ml vegetable stock
• 150ml red wine (optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (or balsamic vinegar)
• 1 tbsp dark brown soft sugar (muscovado is best)
• 1 tsp dried mixed herbs or thyme
• 400g tin mixed beans or butter beans, drained and rinsed

How To Make Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Recipe

1. Brown the Sausages: Heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish or deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the vegetarian sausages for 5-8 minutes, turning frequently until they are golden brown all over, then remove them and set aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Base: Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the same pan. Cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and sweet but not heavily browned.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the crushed garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it bubble for 2 minutes to reduce slightly, then add the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and dried herbs.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then return the sausages to the pan and tip in the drained beans. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the sausages are piping hot.

Recipe Tips

• Thickening the Sauce: If your casserole looks a bit runny, mash a spoonful of the beans against the side of the pan and stir them back in. The starch from the beans naturally thickens the liquid without needing flour.
• Sausage Selection: Use sausages with a firm, meat-like texture rather than soft vegetable-mash sausages. The firmer ones hold their shape better during the simmering process.
• Alcohol Substitute: If you prefer not to use red wine, simply replace it with an extra splash of vegetable stock and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to keep that rich acidity.

What To Serve With Sausage Casserole

A large mound of creamy mashed potatoes is the traditional partner for this dish, perfect for soaking up the rich tomato gravy. Alternatively, serve it with crusty sourdough bread and some steamed green beans or tenderstem broccoli for a lighter meal.

How To Store

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and often taste better the next day as the flavours meld. You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months; just defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating gently on the hob.

FAQs

• Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes. Brown the sausages and onions first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the beans in the final hour to prevent them from turning to mush.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be easily made gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free vegetarian sausages and stock. Always check the label on your Worcestershire sauce substitute as well.
• Can I use different beans? Absolutely. Cannellini beans, haricot beans, or even chickpeas work very well in this recipe if you don’t have mixed beans on hand.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Protein: 18g

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Turkey Burgers Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Tomato Soup with Fresh Tomatoes Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Stottie Recipe