Vegan Sausage Casserole

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A sausage casserole has been a classic comfort food for the cold months for ages. Vegan sausage casseroles also have the advantage of effortless preparation that suits even an amateur cook. A vegan sausage casserole also has the advantage of pairing well with several other ingredients making it very easy to whip up the dish with what you have in the fridge.

This nutritious bowl is not only delicious but has several health benefits – it is packed with protein, carbs, essential vitamins, minerals, and several micronutrients. However, a classic sausage casserole can also be overloaded with sodium and saturated fat. Sausages are also high in nitrites and nitrates, which can cause certain health issues.

A vegan sausage casserole has none of the above health issues, apart from the deliciousness and warmth of a casserole. If you’re looking for specifics, we share some of the top benefits of a vegan sausage casserole below.

Advantages of a vegan sausage casserole over a classic one:

Low in calories

100 g of a non-vegan sausage has 346 calories, while a vegan sausage of the same has about 196 calories, which is a significant difference. Since a vegan sausage casserole is low in calories, it is a definite advantage if you’re watching the weight.

Filling and satisfying

A vegan sausage casserole typically has several ingredients that are low in calories but satiating. So you will feel satisfied and not indulge in other types of snacking.

Heart friendly

Unlike a classic sausage casserole that is high in saturated fats, a vegan version is quite healthy for the heart. This is because a vegan sausage casserole has ingredients that are high in omega 3 and other nutrients that promote a healthy heart. So you can indulge the snack to your heart’s content, without any concern for fattening your arteries with saturated fats.

Tips to make the vegan sausage casserole

Whether vegan or not, casseroles are one of the most leisurely nutritious meals you can make, you can easily toss all of the preferred ingredients in a pot with your favorite seasonings and have a sausage casserole ready in no time.

However, if you are cooking a vegan sausage casserole for the first time, here are the top tips to make it effortless while getting a pro-result.

Crispy sausages make the best casserole.

The sausage is the star of the sausage casserole, without a doubt. However, even experienced cooks sometimes make the mistake of having a less-than-stellar sausage. In other words, a soggy sausage can make the casserole sad.

Crispy sausages add texture and enhance the casserole’s overall taste. To achieve this, fry the sausages using a small amount of cooking oil, preventing the sausages from getting soggy and heavy while cooking.

If you are up to it, slicing the sausages into thin slices before frying them is also a great idea. Not only will the sausage slices be crispy and delicious, but they will also make it easy to plate the dish while serving.

Grilling the sausages is also an excellent way to add texture. Something similar to this tater tot casserole.  However, if you prefer grilling the sausage, cut them after they are done.

The base of the sauce can make or break the casserole

Sausages may be the star of a vegan sausage casserole, but the sauce brings the flavor. The key to getting the right sauce is to hit a sweet spot while frying them.

First, finely dice all the vegetables and aromatics you need for the sausage casserole.

Second, cook the veggies over low heat for about 10 minutes or until they are soft. This cooking method will bring out the flavor of the veggies, so they make the perfect sauce.

Now it’s time to get cooking.

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Vegan sausage casserole recipe

There are several ways to cook a vegan sausage casserole with different pulses. However, sausage casserole and beans are a classic pair and are a staple in almost every pantry, so this recipe includes beans.

• 400g beans – Feel free to use green beans, butter beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, cannellini, black beans, or black beans. Alternatively, you can use any cooked leftover pulses, including chickpeas or lentils. Drain and rinse the beans in cold water if using a canned version.
• 400g tinned tomatoes – You can also use passata
• 400ml vegetable stock
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 8 Vegan sausages (I use Beyond)
• 3 tbsp oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 peppers
• 2 sticks of celery
• 2 carrots
• 2 onions
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Note: Dice all the vegetables, chop the herbs, and set aside.

Cooking method

• Heat about half of the above oil in a casserole dish and fry the sausage until crisp and brown. Remove them onto a plate.
• Add the remaining oil to the dish and fry the veggies over low flame. Stir them occasionally until they are soft.
• Next, add the thyme, and paprika, followed by tomato and tomato puree and stir.
• Next, add the bay leaf and beans, followed by vegetable stock. If you use leftover beans or pulses, add them later after the sausage is cooked.
• Bring the casserole dish to a simmer, add the vegan sausage to the pot, and cook over low flame.
• The vegan sausage casserole will cook in about 20 to 30 minutes, so you must keep an eye on the sausage.
• After the sausage is cooked and the sauce has become thick, remove the dish from the flame.
• Season the casserole with freshly ground parsley, salt, and pepper.
• As the last step, add the breadcrumbs at the top.
• Remove the casserole lid and put it in a 180^oc preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until the breadcrumbs become brown.
• Serve the vegan sausage casserole with rice, salad or mashed potato.

A vegan sausage casserole is very versatile, so you can make it spicy with chili flakes or make it fancy by adding red wine. If you use wine, add it to the dish and cook until it reduces before adding the tomatoes.

Whether your vegan sausage casserole is basic or fancy, this comforting warm dish is sure to warm you and your family’s hearts and health, regardless of the seasons.