Sausage Casserole (Mediterranean)

This Easy Mediterranean Sausage Casserole is certain to become a favourite. With vegetables and beans included in this family-friendly, one-pot meal, you require little more than some crusty bread to serve with it. This is a go-to hearty meal, which is comforting and full of Mediterranean flavours.

1.3 lb sausages, cut into 1” pieces (600 g)
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large brown/yellow onion, cut in half and finely sliced into half moons
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
14 oz tomato passata (400 g)
1 cup water (250 mL)
½ tsp. dried red chilli pepper flakes
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 large zucchini/courgette, cut into (⅓″/1 cm) wide slices
1 large red capsicum/bell pepper, cut into (⅓″/1 cm) squares
1 (14 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (400 g)
2 cups baby spinach, firmly packed
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

In a large, heavy-based Dutch Oven or oven-safe saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat 1 Tbsp. of olive oil over a medium-high heat. The oil is ready to use when it begins to shimmer.

Add the cut sausages and lightly brown on all sides - this should take 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Turn the heat down to low and add the remaining 2 Tbsp. of olive oil to the pan. Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute, stirring to ensure it doesn't burn.

Return the sausages to the pan.

Add the tomato passata, water, rosemary, red pepper flakes and oregano. Bring to a simmer.

Add the zucchini/courgette and capsicum/bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper.

Cover the dish with the lid and place in your preheated oven for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven and add in the spinach and cannellini beans.

Cover and return to the oven to cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Check that the dish is seasoned to your liking, adding additional salt, pepper, chilli flakes or herbs as necessary.

Turn into a serving dish or serve, family-style, at the table in the pan in which it was cooked.

Serve with crusty bread, creamy polenta or mashed potato.

Makes 4 servings.

Cook’s Notes:

• Sausages: we used thick pork sausages but any sausages you enjoy eating will work well. The recipe has also been tested with chicken and beef sausages. Depending on the type of sausages you choose, you may find some break up in the dish more than others.
• Tbsp.: This recipe uses a standard Australian Tbsp. which is 20 mL (4 tsp.).
• Seasoning: adjust the seasoning to your liking - we recommend using freshly black pepper, freshly ground and sea salt flakes for the best flavour. A little red chilli pepper flakes are also a delicious addition if you like the heat. Add more herbs to your liking.
• Storage: store the cooked Sausage Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: when the casserole has cooled, ladle it into an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date the container as it can be difficult to identify frozen food. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator, before thoroughly reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• This quickly and easily made Mediterranean Sausage Casserole is certain to become a regular addition to your meal planning. There are so many ways to enjoy it:
• In its simplest version, the casserole is delicious served with crusty bread.
• It is delicious served with mashed potato, creamy polenta or rice.
• If you would like to increase the veg, serve it with our easily made Roasted Broccolini.

Variations:

• Cannellini beans: you can use another variety of tinned beans or chickpeas if you prefer.
  
  Baby spinach: you could substitute with chopped leaves from larger spinach, Swiss chard/silverbeet or kale.
• Vegetables: mushrooms or eggplant would also work well.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How far in advance can I make the Mediterranean Sausage Casserole? You can make it two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat just before serving.
• Can I freeze the Sausage Casserole? Yes, you certainly can. When the casserole has cooled, ladle it into an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date the container as it can be difficult to identify frozen food. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before thoroughly reheating.
• Is it necessary to brown the sausages? We prefer to brown the sausages as it adds flavour to the dish. For the same reason, we also like to par-cook the onion and garlic.
• Can this casserole be made vegetarian or vegan? Yes, it can. Just choose the appropriate sausages and proceed with the recipe.
• Is it possible to cook this casserole on the stovetop? You can certainly do that. Be sure to use the lowest possible heat and a saucepan with a heavy base to prevent the dish from burning.