This is one of those classic dishes that takes on total new life with the addition of fiery heat. Spicy sausage casserole warms you right up, even on the coldest of nights. It’s total feel-good food that’s sure to be a family hit at dinner time.
The red chili pepper choice is up to you, as the point of the chilies here is primarily to add spiciness. The flavor of the chilies (outside of the heat) is not essential in this recipe, as the sausage and vegetables take the lead.
Red jalapeño peppers are an excellent choice for spicy sausage casserole. Their low-medium heat (2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units) is something most anyone can enjoy. Or, for something spicier, try fresh cayenne (30,000 to 50,000 SHU) or even Thai peppers (50,000 to 100,000 SHU).
Of course, you could opt to omit the fresh chili altogether. You’ll still get a touch of warmth from the dish, coming from the paprika, chipotle flakes, and black pepper. And that may be just enough for some.
I use tomatoes, red peppers, and onion in this recipe, and they give the dish a delicious garden-fresh undertone. But don’t be afraid to experiment to make your own take on this spicy sausage casserole. I’ve made it with a lot of variations in the past, and each adds fun depth to the dish. Try it with added carrots, turnips, or zucchini for something new. All work well, and so would many other vegetables.
As to the serving, this recipe can be either a hearty side or a full meal. Serve it with potatoes, rice, or (my favorite) some crusty bread with fresh butter. It also works well with pasta.
Lastly, this dish is great for storing. The leftovers are nearly as good the first day it was made. Keep in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months for those nights when you are too tired to cook.
See this recipe being made:
Like this recipe? You’ll love these too:
- Spicy Mediterranean Pasta: A good pairing for this spicy casserole. And works very well served cold.
- Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños: An appetizer that’ll leave the crowd smiling.
- Chorizo Frittata: Chorizo sausage stars in this breakfast designed to impress.
Spicy Sausage Casserole
Ingredients
- 10 pork sausages
- 1 tin tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chipotle flakes
- ½ teaspoon black ground pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups broth
- 2 red chili peppers you can choose your strength
- 1 large red pepper
- 1 large yellow onion
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add sausages to a large casserole dish.
- Cook the sausages for 10 minutes in preheated oven.
- Combine the tinned tomatoes, paprika, chipotle flakes, ground pepper, chopped garlic cloves, chopped red peppers, chopped chili pepper, and diced onion.
- Add mixture and the broth to the partly cooked sausages and cover.
- Cook in the oven for a further 50 minutes.
- Serve immediately or portion for later.