Cumberland Sausage Casserole

Cumberland Sausage casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any meal. With succulent beef sausages simmered in rich stock and baked under a crispy potato lid, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its unique blend of flavors makes it a standout choice for both special occasions and everyday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The combination of beef sausages, savory vegetables, and spices creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: Whether served as a main course or paired with sides, it fits various dining occasions.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in one skillet or casserole dish.
• Satisfying and Filling: With hearty ingredients, this casserole keeps you full and satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to make your Cumberland Sausage Casserole easy and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ovenproof skillet or casserole dish
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Ovenproof skillet or casserole dish: Allows for seamless transition from stovetop to oven for even cooking.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe slicing of vegetables and sausages.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measuring ingredients leads to consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

Cumberland Sausage casserole (hotpot) is a British dish with beef bangers cooked in delicious beef stock, tomatoes & onion gravy then baked under a crispy potato lid.

For the Casserole

• 6-8 Cumberland sausages
• 2 onions (sliced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 400 g (14 oz) tin of chopped tomatoes
• 250 ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Potato Topping

• 800 g about 1.75 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional)

How to Make Cumberland Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Brown the Sausages

In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
– Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet:
– Add the sliced onions, carrots, and celery.
– Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in:
– The chopped tomatoes,
– Beef or vegetable broth,
– Worcestershire sauce,
– Tomato paste,
– Dried thyme,
– Salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Return the sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture.
– Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the mixture in an overlapping pattern.

Step 6: Season Potatoes

Drizzle the potatoes with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Bake in Oven

Cover the skillet or casserole dish with a lid or foil.
– Transfer it to the preheated oven.
– Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 8: Crisp Potatoes

After 45 minutes:
– Remove the lid or foil.
– Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Once done:
– Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Cumberland Sausage Hotpot!

How to Serve Cumberland Sausage Casserole

Cumberland sausage casserole is a hearty dish, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it versatile for various serving styles.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Loaf – Serve slices of warm sourdough bread for dipping into the flavorful gravy.
• Garlic Bread – Add a twist with garlic bread to complement the savory taste of the casserole.

With Seasonal Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a fresh crunch and balances the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Roasted until caramelized, these sprouts offer a delightful contrast in flavor.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Thyme Sprigs – A few fresh thyme sprigs on top can enhance the aroma and presentation.
• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle chopped parsley over the casserole for a burst of color and freshness.

As Part of a Buffet

• Family-Style Serving – Place the casserole in the center of the table and let guests serve themselves alongside their favorite sides.
• With Salad Bar – Create a salad bar with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a selection of dressings to add a refreshing element.

How to Perfect Cumberland Sausage Casserole

Creating the ultimate Cumberland sausage casserole involves some key techniques that enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Sausages – Choose high-quality beef sausages for better taste and texture in your casserole.
• Layer Flavors – Sauté vegetables before adding them to develop deeper flavors in your dish.
• Simmer Well – Allowing your sauce to simmer helps meld all ingredients together beautifully.
• Crisp Potatoes – For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for a few minutes after baking.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste before serving; adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to preference.

Best Side Dishes for Cumberland Sausage Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Cumberland sausage casserole can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent foundation for the rich casserole.
2. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that complements the soft textures of the hotpot.
3. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that balances out the hearty casserole.
4. Roasted Root Vegetables – Seasonal root vegetables roasted until tender bring sweetness and depth to your meal.
5. Buttered Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn pairs well with savory dishes like this casserole, adding brightness and flavor.
6. Baked Beans – Hearty baked beans add protein and richness while enhancing the overall comfort food vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking a Cumberland Sausage Casserole can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredient preparation: Not preparing ingredients properly can lead to uneven cooking. Always slice vegetables uniformly and ensure sausages are browned well for the best flavor.
• Bold ignoring seasoning: Skipping or under-seasoning can make your casserole bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly.
• Bold overcrowding the pan: Overcrowding can result in steaming instead of browning. Use a large enough skillet or cook in batches if necessary.
• Bold overlooking cooking times: Cooking for too short or too long can ruin the texture. Follow the recipe’s time guidelines closely for optimal results.
• Bold skipping the resting period: Not allowing your casserole to rest before serving can make it difficult to dish out. Let it sit for a few minutes after baking to set properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Freezing Cumberland Sausage Casserole

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags; it will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Cumberland Sausage Casserole

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake covered until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Bold Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Cumberland Sausage Casserole, here are some answers.

What can I substitute for Cumberland sausages?

You can use chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb sausages as alternatives while maintaining great flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the sausages with plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the potatoes on top are golden brown and crispy, and everything is heated through.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers safely?

Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until they reach at least 75°C (165°F) to ensure they are safe to eat.

Final Thoughts

Cumberland Sausage Casserole is a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try this comforting recipe today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cumberland Sausage Casserole

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Cumberland Sausage Casserole is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of beef sausages with a medley of vegetables, all topped with crispy potatoes. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6–8 beef sausages
• 2 onions (sliced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 400 g (14 oz) tin of chopped tomatoes
• 250 ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 800 g (about 1.75 lbs) potatoes, thinly sliced
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the sausages for about 5-7 minutes before removing them.
3. Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same skillet until softened.
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer.
5. Return sausages to the skillet and layer thinly sliced potatoes on top.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Cover and bake for 45 minutes; remove cover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are golden brown.
8. Let sit briefly before serving; garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg