The Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole is a rich, comforting dish full of flavor — a great option for family dinners and chilly evenings. This version follows the Hairy Bikers’ style: sausages simmered with bacon, onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs and butter beans to create a thick, stew-like casserole that pairs perfectly with bread, rice or mashed potatoes.
➕ Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
This sausage casserole draws inspiration from the Hairy Bikers recipe featured on BBC Good Food. Below are the ingredients you’ll need for a hearty cassoulet-style casserole that serves about six people:
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive or sunflower)
- 5–12 good quality pork sausages (5–6 Italian sausages in the US or 12 chipolatas in the UK — adjust quantity to preference)
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 ¼ cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (brown or muscovado)
- ¼ teaspoon each dried marjoram, basil, oregano, thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 3½ fl oz red wine (optional, about 0.4 cup)
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) butter beans, drained (or cannellini beans as a substitute)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Scroll to the end for a printable recipe card and full instructions.
Recipe Substitutions
Ingredient availability varies by region. Chipolata sausages in the UK are small and similar in flavor to Italian sausages; if substituting Italian sausages, reduce the number so the casserole isn’t overly meaty. Cumberland sausages or coiled sausages will also work if cut into shorter pieces.
If canned butter beans are difficult to find, cook dried butter beans and drain to measure about 1½ cups, or use cannellini or another white bean instead. For a lighter version, swap pork sausages for chicken sausages or omit the bacon and increase vegetables.
The recipe uses red wine for extra depth, but white wine is an acceptable alternative. Although regular paprika will work, smoked paprika adds a particularly appealing flavor; add hot chili powder if you want spice. To make a potato-based casserole, skip the beans and add chopped potatoes with the stock.
⭐ How to Make Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
Follow these step-by-step directions for a classic sausage-and-beans casserole:
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large frying pan or skillet. Brown the sausages for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally to color them evenly. Transfer the sausages to a Dutch oven or flameproof casserole dish and set aside.
- In the same pan, fry the bacon pieces until brown and crisp. Add the cooked bacon to the sausages.
- Fry the sliced onions in the bacon fat for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook a few more minutes until the onions turn golden.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and dried herbs. Add the wine if using and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the sausages and bacon in the Dutch oven. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely and let simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the drained butter beans and cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
This casserole tastes great with garlic bread and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. It’s hearty, filling and only slightly thicker than a stew — ideal for serving a family or for meal prep.
FAQs
How many calories are in a sausage casserole?
Calorie counts vary by ingredients and portion size. As a guideline, one-sixth of this casserole is roughly in the low 400s kcal, depending on sausage and bacon choices. Adjust ingredients if you need a lower-calorie version.
How long does sausage casserole last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can you freeze sausage casserole?
Yes — this casserole freezes well. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly until piping hot. Reheat single portions in the microwave or warm in a covered pan on the stove.
How to make this in a slow cooker?
Brown the sausages and bacon first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the tomato mixture and beans, and cook on low for 3–4 hours until flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
👩🍳 More Sausage Recipes
Once you’ve tried this casserole, explore other sausage dishes such as sausage-and-bean soups, air fryer sausage and peppers, or homemade fennel sausage for a delicious alternative.
Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 5–12 pork sausages
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 ¼ cups chicken stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp each dried marjoram, basil, oregano, thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 3½ fl oz red wine (optional)
- 14 oz canned butter beans, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown sausages 10–15 minutes; transfer to a flameproof casserole.
- Fry bacon until crisp; add to sausages.
- Fry onions in the bacon fat until soft, then add garlic and cook until golden.
- Add paprika, tomatoes, stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire, sugar and herbs; stir in wine and simmer.
- Pour mixture over sausages, simmer covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add butter beans and cook 10 more minutes until sauce thickens. Season and serve.
Notes
To reduce calories, use leaner sausages, increase vegetables, or omit the bacon. Nutritional values are estimates and will vary with specific ingredients and portion sizes.