Casseroles, or 'zapekanka' as they're known in many Eastern European countries, are the ultimate comfort food. This Hearty Vermicelli Casserole with Sausages and Green Beans is a perfect example—a simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious meal that brings the whole family to the table. It's a fantastic way to turn everyday ingredients like pasta, sausages, and green beans into a golden, cheesy bake. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Hearty vermicelli casserole with sausages and green beans
Ingredients for Hearty Vermicelli Casserole with Sausages and Green Beans
- 200 g vermicelli
- 4 sausages (e.g., frankfurters or wieners)
- 150 g green beans
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml milk
- 35 g hard cheese (e.g., cheddar, gouda)
- 20 g butter
- salt, spices to taste
How to Make a Hearty Vermicelli Casserole with Sausages and Green Beans
Pour 1.5 liters of water into a pot and add 1 teaspoon of salt. When the water boils, add the vermicelli and stir to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. After it comes to a boil again, cook for 5 minutes, then drain in a colander. Season the cooked vermicelli with butter and mix well to keep it from clumping together.
Boil the vermicelli and season with butter
Slice the sausages into rounds about half a centimeter thick. If you’re making the casserole with cooked sausage like bologna or sardelki (thick, short sausages), cut the meat into large cubes.
In a bowl, combine the sausages and vermicelli.
Mix the sliced sausages and vermicelli in a bowl
Trim the ends of the green beans and chop them into large pieces. Place the chopped beans in boiling salted water for 4 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and add them to the bowl.
If using frozen green beans, take them out of the freezer 30 minutes beforehand to thaw at room temperature, then blanch them just like fresh ones.
Place the chopped green beans in boiling salted water for 4 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon, and add to the bowl
Crack fresh chicken eggs into a bowl, add salt to taste, and whisk the eggs. There’s no need to beat them into a thick foam; just break up the yolks and whites until you have a uniform mixture.
Whisk the eggs
Add cold milk to the whisked eggs. For a richer version of the dish, you can replace the milk with 10% cream.
Add cold milk to the whisked eggs
Grease an ovenproof dish with a thin layer of butter and dust it with all-purpose flour or semolina. Spread the vermicelli, sausage, and bean mixture evenly in the dish.
Pour the egg and milk mixture over the ingredients. It should completely cover the contents but not reach the very top of the dish, to prevent splattering in the oven during baking.
Finely grate a hard, sharp cheese. For this recipe, a Russian cheese like Rossiysky or Poshekhonsky would be traditional, but cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan will also be delicious.
Sprinkle the grated cheese over the casserole.
At this stage, you can also add thin slices of smoked bacon or smoked sausage on top.
Place the vermicelli with sausages and beans in the baking dish, spreading it in an even layer
Pour the egg and milk mixture into the dish
Sprinkle the casserole with grated cheese
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake the vermicelli casserole for 25-30 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms on top.
Bake the vermicelli casserole for 25-30 minutes. Done!
And there you have it—a beautifully golden and delicious casserole, ready to be enjoyed! This dish is wonderful served hot, perhaps with a side of fresh green salad or some tangy pickles to cut through the richness. It also reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Don't be afraid to get creative! Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or experiment with different types of cheese. We hope this simple and hearty recipe brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!
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