Sausage Casserole with Veggies

This Sausage Casserole with Veggies transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast that’s perfect for family dinners. Imagine tender slices of savory sausage mingling with sweet carrots, vibrant bell peppers, and hearty beans, all simmered in a rich tomato broth that’s infused with aromatic herbs. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone at your table reaching for seconds! #comfortfood #onepotmeal
The beauty of this casserole lies in its rustic simplicity and incredible depth of flavor. As it bubbles away in the oven, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that promises pure comfort in every bite. Plus, the combination of protein-packed sausage and nutritious vegetables makes this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients Overview

This hearty sausage casserole brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that create incredible flavor when combined:

• 1 lb Italian sausage or bratwurst, whole – The star of our dish that provides rich, savory flavor
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing and building flavor
• 1 large onion, sliced – Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that aromatic foundation
• 3 large carrots, sliced – Provides natural sweetness and bright color
• 1 bell pepper, sliced – Adds vibrant color and gentle sweetness
• 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz – Creates the base for our flavorful sauce
• 1 can pinto beans, 15 oz, drained and rinsed – For hearty texture and protein
• 1 can chili with beans (Hormels) – Adds depth and a mild kick of flavor
• 1 cup beef broth – Creates richness and perfect consistency
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Concentrates the tomato flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – For earthy, aromatic notes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds classic Italian flavor
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors
• ½ teaspoon pepper – Adds a gentle heat
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish – Brings brightness and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious sausage casserole that will have your family asking for seconds:

1. Step 1
   

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly throughout.

   
   
2. Step 2
   

   Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the whole sausages and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step creates a beautiful caramelization that adds tremendous flavor.

   
   
3. Step 3
   

   Once browned, remove the sausages from the pot and set aside. They’ll finish cooking later in the casserole.

   
   
4. Step 4
   

   In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The fond (browned bits) from the sausages will infuse the onions with extra flavor.

   
   
5. Step 5
   

   Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

   
   
6. Step 6
   

   Add the sliced carrots and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

   
   
7. Step 7
   

   Pour in the diced tomatoes, pinto beans, chili with beans, beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

   
   
8. Step 8
   

   Add the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer.

   
   
9. Step 9
   

   Slice the browned sausages into 1-inch pieces and add them back to the pot, nestling them into the vegetable mixture.

   
   
10. Step 10
    

    Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the mixture is bubbling, the vegetables are tender, and the sausages are cooked through.

    
    
11. Step 11
    

    Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

    
    

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Sausage Casserole

Take your sausage casserole from good to great with these professional tips:

Sausage Selection Matters

The type of sausage you choose dramatically influences the final flavor of your casserole. Italian sausage provides a fennel-forward taste with hints of garlic, while bratwurst offers a more subtle, mildly spiced profile. Feel free to mix and match different sausage varieties for added complexity!

Building Flavor Layers

Don’t rush the browning process for the sausages or onions. Those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pot (fond) are pure gold for flavor development. Deglaze the pot properly with a splash of broth if needed to incorporate all those tasty bits into your sauce.

Control the Consistency

If your casserole looks too watery before going into the oven, simmer it uncovered on the stovetop for a few extra minutes. Conversely, if it seems too thick, add a bit more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Make It Ahead

This casserole tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Consider making it a day ahead and simply reheating before serving for an even more flavorful meal.

Delicious Variations

Customize this versatile casserole to make it your own with these tasty variations:

Mediterranean Style

Swap the pinto beans for cannellini beans, add a handful of olives, and stir in some chopped fresh basil at the end. Consider using Italian sausage and adding a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving for a Mediterranean twist.

Smoky Southwest Version

Use andouille or smoked sausage, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers, and replace the thyme and oregano with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Top with cilantro instead of parsley and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Potato Lover’s Delight

Add 2 cups of diced potatoes along with the carrots. This creates a heartier casserole that’s almost like a stew. The potatoes will absorb some of the flavorful liquid and add wonderful texture.

Veggie-Packed Version

Double down on vegetables by adding zucchini chunks, mushrooms, or frozen green beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This increases the nutritional value while stretching the meal to feed more people.

Storage & Reheating

This sausage casserole is ideal for meal prep as it stores and reheats beautifully:
Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating: For best results, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a covered pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the consistency. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, at 70% power, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bean in this casserole?

Absolutely! While pinto beans work beautifully, you can substitute kidney beans, cannellini beans, or black beans based on your preference. Each will bring a slightly different texture and flavor to the final dish.

Can I make this sausage casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the sausages and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This method is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a ready-made meal.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat level, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the vegetables, use hot Italian sausage, or stir in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for individual heat adjustment.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your sausage and canned products don’t contain hidden gluten. Always read labels carefully if cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What can I serve with sausage casserole?

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, a simple green salad, or over rice or mashed potatoes. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted vegetables.
I love making this sausage casserole on chilly Sunday afternoons when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The first time I made it, my kitchen filled with such an amazing aroma that my neighbor actually texted to ask what I was cooking! Now it’s become my go-to dish when hosting casual dinner parties – I just prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when guests arrive. The combination of savory sausage and sweet vegetables never fails to impress, and I love how versatile it is depending on what I have on hand. My personal favorite twist is adding a splash of red wine to the broth for extra depth. Give this recipe a try and let me know how you customize it for your family!