Delicious Sausage Casserole With a Bold Red Wine Flavor
Welcome to my sausage casserole with red wine recipe! As a sommelier, I highly recommend this comforting and hearty one-pot dish that will keep you warm on chilly winter evenings.
This recipe features succulent pork sausages braised in a flavorful mix of red wine and haricot beans, along with streaky bacon, red onions, and garlic. The combination of ingredients creates an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy dinner for two, this sausage casserole is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and can be customized to your liking with different types of sausages, herbs, and even vegetables.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of red wine. Not only does it add depth and complexity to the flavors, but it also tenderizes the meat and brings everything together into one harmonious dish.
So, grab a bottle of your favorite red wine (or use some from last night’s dinner), roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food that is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there, wine and food enthusiasts! Today I want to get excited about a mouth-watering recipe for you: the sausage casserole with red wine. Get ready to indulge in this comforting one-pot meal that will fill your home with the heart-warming aroma of fragrant spices combined with tender pork sausages and beans.
Why you’ll love this recipe? Besides being incredibly easy to make, it’s a perfect winter dish that will satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling content. With only a few simple affordable ingredients like pork sausages, haricot beans, sliced onions, streaky bacon, and a bit of flour, you can create something truly delicious.
But what elevates this dish to the next level is the addition of red wine. It gives the sausage stew a rich and robust flavor while tenderizing the meat further. Plus, it creates a deep brown sauce that makes you want to lick your plate clean.
If you’re on a budget or have unexpected guests, this sausage casserole with red wine is an excellent choice. It’s versatile enough to work with any substitution or variation that fits your taste buds. You can substitute pork sausages for beef stew meat or venison sausages. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or potatoes if you prefer.
But if there’s one thing you cannot skip in this recipe is using red wine. It complements the sausage’s spicy flavor while adding complexity to the dish in terms of taste and aroma. So do yourself a favor and grab your favorite bottle of red wine before cooking up this delicious recipe!
So let’s raise our glasses and toast to a fantastic meal that is both satisfying and affordable. Trust me when I say that once you try this sausage casserole with red wine recipe, it will become your go-to comfort dish – not just because it tastes great but also because it reminds you of home. Cheers!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredient list of this hearty and comforting Sausage Casserole with Red Wine. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
* Ingredients 1:
- 8 pork sausages
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 4 slices streaky bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 rounded tablespoon plain flour
- 1 lb pearl barley
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs
* Ingredients 2:
- 1 red onion, sliced
- third pint red wine
- 200g haricot beans, soaked overnight and drained
- sunflower oil for frying
This recipe calls for a variety of ingredients that work together to deliver a delicious flavor. The choice of meat is important in this recipe as it blends flawlessly with the other ingredients. Pork sausages are often used in sausage casseroles, but you can also try venison sausages for an even richer and deeper taste. In this recipe, haricot beans give a creamy texture while pearl barley adds firmness to each bite. Bacon and dried herbs both provide smokiness to the dish while the red wine infuses it with flavors beyond measure. Don’t worry if you’re missing some of these key ingredients – I’ve got you covered! Check out the next section to learn about substitutions and variations for this classic saucy recipe.
The Recipe How-To
First, it’s important to gather all the ingredients needed for this sausage casserole with red wine recipe. Slice 2 onions and chop 1 garlic clove into small pieces. Cut 2 slices of streaky bacon into strips. Get 8 pork sausages and slice them into small portions. Drain a can of haricot beans in water.
Braising and Cooking the Sausages
Heat up a large, ovenproof casserole dish with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages to the pot and fry until they’re browned on all sides. Transfer the braised sausages to a plate.
Making the Casserole
Using the same pot, add a tablespoon of flour and stir well for about 1 minute. Then, gently pour in 1 cup of red wine while stirring until it thickens. Add in sliced onions, garlic, streaky bacon, and canned haricot beans. Pour in enough water until it covers all ingredients. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried herbs.
Cover the lid and let it simmer over low heat for about an hour or more if using venison sausages until it becomes thickened stew-like.
Finishing Touches
Once everything is cooked, put all of your braised sausages back into the pot and mix thoroughly. For extra flavor, add in some pearl barley as necessary – but not too much as it may absorb all the juices from your sausage stew!
Pop it in the oven at 190°C (375°F) for approximately 30 minutes or until everything looks golden brown.
And voilà ! You can now serve your perfect comforting one-pot sausage casserole with red wine recipe to family or friends!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to mix things up? There are plenty of ways to go about it with this sausage and red wine casserole recipe. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations that will help you make this dish your own.
– Meat: While we recommend using pork sausages, you could certainly opt for beef or venison sausages for a different flavor profile. You could even use a mix of different types of sausage for extra variety.
– Beans: In this recipe, we used haricot beans, also known as navy beans. However, you could easily substitute in other types of beans such as cannellini beans, pinto beans, or even baked beans for a sweeter twist.
– Herbs: We used dried herbs (thyme and rosemary) in this recipe, but you can use fresh herbs instead if desired. If you have some on hand, sage would be a great addition to this dish.
– Vegetables: While the recipe calls for one onion, you could add additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
– Bacon: If you can’t find streaky bacon or prefer not to use it, feel free to omit this ingredient entirely or use pancetta or another type of cured meat instead.
– Pearl barley: While pearl barley adds a nice nutty flavor and texture to this dish, you could substitute in another type of grain like quinoa, farro, rice or pasta if desired.
The beauty of casseroles is that they lend themselves well to experimentation and improvisation. So don’t be afraid to get creative with your substitutions and variations – who knows what delicious flavors you might discover!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your sausage casserole with red wine is ready to be served, it’s time to decide what to pair it with. This hearty and comforting one-pot dish pairs perfectly with a full-bodied red wine. Since the recipe already calls for a red wine, I’d recommend serving the same red wine that you used for cooking.
The addition of dried herbs and garlic enhances the flavors in this dish, making it an excellent pairing for a bold and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy Shiraz. However, if you’re not too keen on reds, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay would work just as well.
Aside from wine, this sausage casserole also pairs well with some crusty bread or a side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Some suggest adding pearl barley or baked beans to the mix as well. It’s all up to your taste preferences.
Overall, this comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as part of an elaborate dinner party menu. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with friends, one thing’s for sure: you won’t be able to resist savoring every bite alongside your favorite bottle of red wine.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Welcome back, foodies! Now that you’ve mastered the art of making a sausage casserole with red wine recipe, it’s time to talk about Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating.
One of the great things about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time. In fact, it will taste even better if you let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow all of the flavors to meld together for a truly spectacular taste experience. Once you’re ready to serve, just reheat in the oven or stovetop until heated through.
Now, let’s talk about storing your leftover sausage casserole. If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your casserole will last up to four days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to defrost thoroughly before reheating.
When reheating your sausage casserole, be careful not to overheat, or you risk drying out the dish and losing those delicious flavors. I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or on a medium flame on the stove top.
Remember that reheated foods don’t always taste as good as freshly cooked ones but no worries, with this recipe, they’ll still maintain their comforting one-pot deliciousness.
That’s all for now, folks! Enjoy your warm and comforting sausage casserole with red wine recipe any time of the year without worrying about wasting leftovers!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a sommelier, I have learned that there are some tips and tricks that one can follow to create the perfect sausage casserole with red wine. Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve an incredibly flavorful and heartwarming dish.
1. Use quality sausages
The key ingredient in this recipe is undoubtedly the sausages, which is where most of the flavor comes from. Hence, it’s important to choose good quality sausages. Look for ones that are made with high-quality ingredients and avoid anything that contains fillers like breadcrumbs or other cheap substitutes.
2. Brown the sausages
To get a rich and deep flavor in your sausage casserole with red wine, ensure that you brown the sausages before you add them to the casserole. This will help to seal in the juices and bring out more flavor from them.
3. Invest in a good red wine
The wine used plays a significant role in making this recipe stand out. Don’t compromise on quality when choosing your red wine; choose a full-bodied wine that will complement the flavors of your sausage casserole. Opt for something like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which are excellent choices for dishes like these.
4. Cook low and slow
Slow cooking not only helps tenderize the meat and bring out its flavors but also allows all the different spices and ingredients to share their flavors and infuse into each other properly. Don’t rush into cooking; simmer the casserole over low heat for at least two hours, which will release all those delicious flavors.
5. Experiment with pearl barley or cannellini beans
While haricot beans are often used in hearty casseroles like these, feel free to substitute them with pearl barley or cannellini beans for a more wholesome variety or if you prefer their texture instead.
Remember: perfecting a sausage casserole with red wine ultimately depends on your preference, as taste is completely subjective. But by following these tips, you can get the most out of your ingredients and create a dish that is bursting with flavor and comforting for the soul.
FAQ
Now, it’s time for the responses to some of the frequently asked questions we have received about this sausage casserole with red wine recipe. Read on for the answers to your questions and learn how you can make this dish perfectly in your own kitchen.
What wine goes with sausage casserole?
When it comes to pairing wine with sausages, I suggest going for red wines that have a higher tannin and body level. These bold flavors work best with the savory taste of sausages. For those who prefer white wine, a Chablis can be a surprisingly good match. However, if the sausages are served warm, then I recommend sticking with Beaujolais. Those who prefer a lighter white wine should opt for an unoaked Chablis to complement their meal nicely.
What wine goes well with sausage?
When it comes to pairing wines with sausages topped with tangy condiments, I recommend going for a crisp and dry white wine such as Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, or Chablis. These wines work wonders in balancing out the acidity of the condiments, while still cutting through the richness of the sausage. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful combination!
Does sausage casserole thicken?
Here’s a pro-tip to make the gravy of your casserole thicker, even after it has been cooked fully. Just combine a tablespoon of cornflour with another tablespoon of water and stir until all the lumps are gone. Pour this mix into the pot, then let it cook on high without putting the lid on. You’ll see it thicken in just about 15 to 30 minutes – plenty of time to focus on making your side dishes taste just as good.
How long does sausage casserole last?
It is essential to store any leftover Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole in a covered container and place it in the refrigerator to cool. The leftovers can be safely kept in the fridge for about three days.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this sausage casserole with red wine recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for the winter season. With its rich and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a household favorite. This recipe’s versatility also makes it easy to adapt and switch out ingredients, based on personal preference.
When choosing a wine to complement this dish, it’s important to select something bold and robust. The tannins and acidity in a red wine pair perfectly with the hearty flavors of the sausages and beans. Look for a red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, that can stand up to the richness of the dish.
Overall, whether you choose to make this sausage casserole with red wine as written or make some substitutions to fit your tastes, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also a comforting and delicious meal that will bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. So why not give this recipe a try? I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Sausage Casserole With Red Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (pork or beef both work well)
- 8 ounces streaky bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 -15 fluid ounces red wine
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 1 -2 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan.
- Fry the sausages until brown then remove and place in a flameproof casserole dish.
- Fry the streaky bacon pieces until the fat is beginning to run and they are just turning golden.
- Remove and place in the casserole dish with sausages.
- Add the onions to the frying pan and gently fry until golden. Add the garlic and fry very briefly.
- Sprinkle the flour on top of the onion and garlic mixture and stir well until the 'juices' are absorbed.
- Gradually stir the red wine into this mixture.
- Pour over the top of the sausage and bacon mixture in the flameproof casserole.
- Add the mixed herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir.
- Place on a medium heat on the stovetop and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 50 minutes.
- During this time check sauce levels occasionally and adjust consistency as necessary. If sauce is too thick, add a little more red wine. If sauce is too thin after approximately 30 minutes then remove the lid of the casserole dish and allow to reduce.