As the colder months set in, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty, flavourful dish featuring premium ingredients. Gills sausages, crafted with the finest pork and our signature blend of herbs and spices, are the perfect centrepiece for creating dishes that delight diners and suit a variety of menus. While sausages lend themselves to many pairings, from classic bangers and mash to gourmet breakfast platters, one dish stands out as a winter favourite: a rustic sausage casserole.
A Star Dish for Winter Menus
A sausage casserole is the ultimate winter warmer, combining the rich flavours of Gills sausages with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal. This dish begins with our best pork sausages, which hold their shape and flavour beautifully through slow cooking. Combined with sweet red peppers, caramelised onions, and creamy Cannellini beans, the casserole creates a perfect balance of savoury, sweet, and hearty textures.
The key to elevating this dish lies in the sauce. A rich tomato base, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and a touch of smoked paprika, provides depth and warmth. Slow-cooking allows the sausages to infuse the sauce with their bold, savoury flavour while remaining succulent. Serve this casserole with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes, and you have a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting – perfect for cold winter nights.
Why Sausage Casseroles Work
For commercial kitchens, a sausage casserole is delicious, versatile and practical. It can be prepared in large batches, making it an ideal option for pubs, cafes, and bistros offering specials or seasonal menus. The use of high-quality Gills sausages ensures that the dish maintains a premium feel, appealing to diners looking for both flavour and value. Chefs can incorporate local or seasonal vegetables, swap Cannellini beans for lentils, or adjust the seasoning to create regional variations. These small changes can help tailor the dish to different audiences while maintaining its core appeal as a hearty, satisfying meal.
Recipe and Method for a Gills Pork Sausage Casserole
- Gills premium pork sausages
- Olive oil
- Onions, sliced
- Garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Red peppers, sliced into strips
- Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Chopped tomatoes
- Tomato purée
- Smoked paprika
- Dried thyme
- Bay leaf
- Chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, to serve
METHOD
Brown the Sausages:
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based casserole dish over medium heat. Add the Gills sausages and brown them evenly for 5-7 minutes. Once golden, remove the sausages and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same casserole dish, add the sliced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and red pepper, cooking for a further 2 minutes.
Build the Flavours:
Stir in the tomato purée, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavours to develop. Add the chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, and chicken or vegetable stock. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Casserole:
Return the browned sausages to the casserole dish and gently stir them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Beans:
Add the Cannellini beans to the casserole and cook uncovered for a further 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the casserole with warm crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich, hearty sauce.
