Name: One Pot Smoky Vegan Sausage Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil; 1 Onion, chopped; 4 Teaspoons (4 Cloves) Minced Garlic; 4 Vegan Sausages; 2 Red Peppers, sliced; 2 Yellow Peppers, sliced; 2 Teaspoons Homemade Vegetable Stock Powder (or 2 Teaspoons Bouillon Powder or 1 Stock Cube); 1 Tablespoon Homemade BBQ Seasoning; 1 Tablespoon Homemade Italian Seasoning (or 1 Teaspoon Basil, 1 Teaspoon Oregano, 1 Teaspoon Parsley); 2 Teaspoons Sea Salt; 2 15 Oz (400g) Cans Chopped Tomatoes; 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste (Tomato Puree); 1 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke (Optional); 1 Can Butter Beans (Lima Beans), drained and rinsed; 560g Boiled Potatoes (140g per portion); Or 4 Pieces Cornbread (1 Piece per portion); 1 Green Onion (Salad Onion), chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 49 reviews

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, comforting, and packed with layers of bold flavors, the One Pot Smoky Vegan Sausage Casserole Recipe is here to become your new favorite go-to meal. Picture tender vegan sausages mingling with sweet red and yellow peppers, simmered in a rich tomato base infused with smoky BBQ and Italian seasonings—all cooked effortlessly in a single pot. It’s a joyful fusion of vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and that soulful smokiness that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl shows four cooking stages: top left has four light brown sausages and chopped purple onions scattered on the bottom layer; top right shows the same sausages and onions with a large mix of bright red, yellow, and orange chopped bell peppers on top, a black spoon with a wooden handle resting inside; bottom left has cooked yellow and red bell peppers forming a bed, topped with dark red tomato sauce and a pile of white beans; bottom right displays the finished dish in a white bowl, with one sausage on top of the red sauce mixed with cooked yellow and red bell peppers, white beans, and finely chopped green onions sprinkled over, a silver fork on the left side; all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the foundation of any great meal, and this recipe shines because each item is simple yet vital. From the vibrant peppers to the smoky seasonings, every ingredient plays its part in building the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.

1 Teaspoon Olive Oil: This helps to gently sauté the aromatics and sausages, adding a subtle fruitiness without overpowering the dish.
1 Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth once softened, creating an essential flavor base.
4 Teaspoons (4 Cloves) Minced Garlic: Brings a punch of savory warmth that complements the smoky elements beautifully.
4 Vegan Sausages: These are your plant-powered stars, providing texture and protein with a meaty, satisfying bite.
2 Red Peppers: Bright and sweet, these add color and a gentle crunch to every mouthful.
2 Yellow Peppers: Balances the reds perfectly and keeps the dish visually stunning and packed with nutrients.
2 Teaspoons Vegetable Stock Powder: Enhances savory richness and deepens the overall taste profile.
1 Tablespoon BBQ Seasoning: Infuses that signature smoky tang that defines this casserole.
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of basil, oregano, and parsley that lifts the flavor with herby notes.
2 Teaspoons Sea Salt: Perfectly seasons every ingredient, making sure the flavors sing.
2 Cans (15 oz / 400 g each) Chopped Tomatoes: The saucy heart of the dish, rich and slightly sweet.
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste (Tomato Puree): Adds concentrated tomato goodness and thickens the sauce.
1 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke (Optional): For an extra hit of authentic smokiness that makes this casserole truly unforgettable.
1 Can Butter Beans (Lima Beans), Drained and Rinsed: Adds creaminess and bulk, making the dish more filling.
560g Boiled Potatoes (140g Per Portion) or 4 Pieces Cornbread (1 Piece Per Portion): Choose your favorite side to soak up all that delicious sauce.
1 Green Onion (Salad Onion), Chopped: A fresh, mild bite to garnish and brighten your serving.

How to Make One Pot Smoky Vegan Sausage Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Sausages

Start by warming the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Chop your onion and toss it in, letting it soften and release its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and the vegan sausages, browning the sausages on all sides while stirring to evenly cook the onions and garlic. This step builds the fragrant flavor foundation for the casserole.

Step 2: Incorporate the Peppers

Next, add the red and yellow peppers to the pan. Stir everything together and let the peppers soften slightly. Their natural sweetness will balance the smoky and savory elements, while the colors make the dish as vibrant to look at as it is to eat.

Step 3: Season the Base

Sprinkle in your vegetable stock powder, BBQ seasoning, Italian seasoning, and sea salt. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute the flavors so every bite is perfectly seasoned and awake with that signature smoky essence.

Step 4: Add the Tomato and Beans

Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste for a thicker, richer sauce. If using, add the liquid smoke now to deepen the smoky flavor. Finally, stir in the drained butter beans—these creamy legumes make the casserole wonderfully filling and add delightful texture.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the sauce to thicken just right, coating every ingredient with scrumptious goodness.

Step 6: Prepare Your Side Dish

While your casserole simmers, get your boiled potatoes ready or warm up some cornbread. Both are fantastic accompaniments that soak up the sauce perfectly, making every mouthful extra indulgent.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the piping hot casserole into bowls, add your chosen side on the plate or alongside, and sprinkle the chopped green onion over the top. This final fresh touch adds a pop of color and a mild, oniony crunch that elevates each serving.

How to Serve One Pot Smoky Vegan Sausage Casserole Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful stew sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a rich red tomato sauce mixed with chunks of yellow and red bell peppers, and white beans. On top of this base lies a single browned sausage, slightly curved and speckled with herbs. Scattered over the dish are small green onion pieces adding a fresh touch. The colors are warm and inviting, with the reds, yellows, and greens contrasting nicely against the white bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches like freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley lighten the rich flavors and brighten the presentation. A small drizzle of vegan sour cream or a few dashes of hot sauce can also add an exciting twist, depending on your mood.

Side Dishes

Boiled potatoes are a classic pairing, their creamy texture perfectly balanced by the smoky, tomato-infused casserole. Cornbread offers a slightly sweet, crumbly contrast that captures the sauce in every bite. For something different, try crusty bread or even a bed of fluffy rice for extra heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the casserole in charming, rustic bowls for a cozy vibe, or get festive with colorful ceramic dishes for dinner parties. Layered in a clear glass baking dish, you can showcase the vibrant colors and let guests serve themselves. Top with a scattering of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten up the smoky richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Smoky Vegan Sausage Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making your next meal just as luscious as the first.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it will last up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth and the sausages tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of vegan sausages for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any plant-based sausage you love will work beautifully here. Just choose your favorite flavor profile to complement the smoky, tomato-rich base.

Is the liquid smoke necessary?

Not at all. It’s optional but highly recommended if you love that deep smoky note. Without it, the BBQ seasoning still gives plenty of flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! The casserole itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your vegan sausages and any seasonings for gluten ingredients, and opt for gluten-free side dishes like potatoes or gluten-free bread.

How spicy is this casserole?

This recipe is mild by default, focusing on smoky and savory flavors without heat. To add some kick, feel free to include chili flakes or a spicy vegan sausage variety.

What can I use instead of butter beans?

Cannellini beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans are excellent alternatives. They add similar creamy texture and protein, making the casserole hearty and balanced.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this One Pot Smoky Vegan Sausage Casserole Recipe, it will effortlessly slide into your list of cherished meals. The magic lies in how simple ingredients transform into a rich, smoky, and soul-satisfying dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole is sure to bring warmth and joy to the table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!