Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole | Step-by-Step Recipe

There’s something about a sausage casserole that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The Hairy Bikers’ version, packed with butter beans and crispy bacon, has become a firm favourite for family dinners across the UK.

Prep time: Less than 30 mins ·
Cook time: 30 mins to 1 hour ·
Servings: 6 ·
Difficulty: Easy

The table below gives the essential numbers behind this recipe—everything you need to plan your cooking.

The ingredient list shows a balanced casserole built on pantry staples. The optional wine and spice give you room to adjust heat and depth.

What is Hairy Bikers sausage casserole?

This dish is a British comfort food classic created by the Hairy Bikers—Si King and Dave Myers. According to BBC Food (trusted UK cooking resource), it’s described as “the perfect family meal.” It combines pork sausages, smoked bacon, butter beans, and a rich tomato‑based sauce, simmered until thick and hearty.

What makes it unique?

The Hairy Bikers’ version stands out because it includes butter beans and bacon, adding both texture and a smoky savoury note that differs from simpler sausage casseroles. The recipe also allows for an optional splash of red or white wine, which deepens the flavour (All Kitchen Colours (recipe blog)). Many home cooks praise its flexibility—you can adjust the spice level with chilli powder or smoked paprika.

Is it healthy?

The casserole provides protein from sausages and butter beans, plus fibre from the beans. However, the exact nutritional breakdown per serving isn’t published by the Hairy Bikers. Given the pork sausages and streaky bacon, it’s not a low‑fat option, but it can fit into a balanced diet when served with vegetables. Those watching their salt intake should go easy on the stock and check sausage labels.

What ingredients do you need for Hairy Bikers sausage casserole?

• 12 good‑quality pork sausages (according to Summeryule (recipe aggregation))
• 6 rashers rindless streaky bacon, cut into 2.5 cm lengths (Cooked.wiki (recipe database))
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1–2 tbsp sunflower oil (for browning)
• ½–1 tsp hot chilli powder or smoked paprika
• 1 × 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 300 ml (10 fl oz) chicken stock
• Optional: 100 ml (3½ fl oz) red or white wine
• 1 × 400 g tin butter beans, drained
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Can I substitute the butter beans?

Yes. According to recipe variations from 365 Days of Slow Cooking (pressure‑cooker blog), you can replace butter beans with cannellini beans, haricot beans, or even chickpeas. The cooking time stays the same, though chickpeas will give a firmer bite. If you use dried beans, you’ll need to soak and cook them first.

What are the best sausages to use?

The Hairy Bikers recommend good‑quality pork sausages. According to ITV News (national news outlet), their “ultimate comfort food” version uses thick pork sausages. Cumberland or Lincolnshire sausages work well because of their robust flavour. Avoid very low‑meat sausages, as they won’t hold up during simmering. You can also use chicken or turkey sausages for a lighter version, though the taste will change.

How do you make Hairy Bikers sausage casserole?

The method is straightforward and all done in one pot. Follow these step‑by‑step instructions based on the Hairy Bikers’ original approach.

Step-by-step cooking instructions

1. Brown the sausages. Heat 1–2 tbsp sunflower oil in a large flameproof casserole over medium heat. Add the 12 sausages and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned. Remove and set aside (Summeryule (recipe aggregation)).
2. Fry the bacon. In the same pot, add the 6 bacon pieces and fry until brown and crisp—about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausages.
3. Sauté the aromatics. Lower the heat, add the 2 sliced onions and cook gently for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the 2 chopped garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add spices and tomatoes. Sprinkle in ½–1 tsp chilli powder or smoked paprika, then pour in the 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes and 300 ml chicken stock. Add the optional wine if using, and stir well (All Kitchen Colours (recipe blog)).
5. Simmer the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Return the sausages and bacon to the pot. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the butter beans. Stir in the drained 400 g tin of butter beans. Continue simmering for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly (Summeryule (recipe aggregation)).
7. Season and serve. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve with rice, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes.

Can you make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. According to 365 Days of Slow Cooking (pressure‑cooker blog), you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot or slow cooker. For the Instant Pot, brown the sausages and bacon using the sauté function, then add all other ingredients (including dry beans if using). Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes with a natural release. For a standard slow cooker, brown the meat in a pan first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

How to store and reheat leftovers

The casserole keeps well. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes beautifully—portion it into freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

The implication: planning a double batch saves effort later, but requires adjusting the final simmer to account for the slight undercooking.

Quotes from the chefs and press

“This great sausage casserole from the Hairy Bikers is the perfect family meal.”

— BBC Food (trusted UK cooking resource), recipe introduction

“The ultimate comfort food sausage roll casserole… brown the sausages until golden all over.”

— ITV News (national news outlet), feature article

“The combination of butter beans and bacon gives the casserole a real depth of flavour that you don’t get from a standard sausage stew.”

— All Kitchen Colours (recipe blog), reviewer’s note

These perspectives confirm the dish’s reputation as a crowd‑pleaser. The BBC endorsement adds authority, while ITV’s mention of “ultimate comfort food” reinforces its homely appeal.

For a detailed step-by-step guide, check out the Hairy Bikers sausage casserole recipe on Civic Journal.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Corned Beef Hash Recipe – Another one‑pan comfort classic.
• Deep Fried Mars Bar – A indulgent Scottish treat for adventurous cooks.

The Hairy Bikers sausage casserole is a dependable weeknight dinner that balances convenience with bold flavours. For any home cook looking to expand their repertoire of simple, satisfying meals, the trade‑off is clear: ten minutes of browning yields a richly layered sauce that tastes like it simmered all day.