Mary Berry, celebrated for her role as a baking queen, also has a plethora of savory recipes up her sleeve, perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Among these, her Sausage Casserole stands out as a comforting and hearty dish, ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you need a dose of home-cooked warmth. This casserole combines succulent sausages with a rich, flavorful sauce and a variety of vegetables, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
What is Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Mary Berry’s Sausage Casserole is a robust and hearty dish featuring sausages as the star ingredient, cooked in a savory gravy alongside a medley of vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted based on what you have in your pantry, but the essence lies in the rich, tomato-based sauce and the depth of flavors from herbs and spices. The dish is baked until bubbly and served hot, making it a comforting meal for any day of the week.
What Goes Best with Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re looking for lighter options, a crisp green salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans complement the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Ingredients
– 8 good-quality pork sausages
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 onions, sliced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
– 300ml chicken or vegetable stock
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Prepare Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
1. Brown the Sausages: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof casserole dish over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until they are evenly browned on all sides. Remove the sausages and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same dish, add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. Create the Sauce: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, stock, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Combine and Bake: Return the sausages to the dish, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 good-quality pork sausages
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- - 2 onions sliced
- - 2 garlic cloves minced
- - 2 carrots sliced
- - 2 celery stalks sliced
- - 1 red bell pepper sliced
- - 1 can 400g chopped tomatoes
- - 300ml chicken or vegetable stock
- - 2 tbsp tomato paste
- - 1 tsp smoked paprika
- - 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausages: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof casserole dish over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until they are evenly browned on all sides. Remove the sausages and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same dish, add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, stock, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine and Bake: Return the sausages to the dish, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
How to Serve Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Serve the casserole hot from the oven, accompanied by your choice of side dishes. The casserole is rich and flavorful on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its robust flavors.
How to Reheat Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway.
Oven: Transfer the casserole to an ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot throughout.
Stovetop: Pour the casserole into a pot and reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Sausage Casserole
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.
Can I use different types of sausages?
Absolutely. While pork sausages are traditional, feel free to use chicken, turkey, or vegetarian sausages based on your preference.
Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Yes, this casserole is quite versatile, allowing for the inclusion of other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or squash. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Mary Berry’s Sausage Casserole can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients used, especially the type of sausages and the amount of oil used in the recipe. Here’s an approximate breakdown for a serving, assuming the dish serves 4-6:
- Calories: 400-600 kcal per serving
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 25-35 g
- Saturated Fat: 8-12 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4-6 g
- Sugars: 8-12 g
- Sodium: Dependent on the sausages and stock used; can be high
This dish offers a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables included. To make a lighter version, consider using low-fat sausages or increasing the proportion of vegetables to sausages. Additionally, serving the casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can balance out the meal, making it more nutritious.
Mary Berry’s Sausage Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for colder months or any time you’re in the mood for a warm, home-cooked meal. Its ease of preparation and versatile nature makes it a favorite among home cooks looking to serve something delicious and satisfying without too much fuss.
