Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole

If you’re looking for a dinner that practically cooks itself and fills the house with mouthwatering aromas, then Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is your new best friend. This dish is the perfect blend of hearty sausage, tender vegetables, and a savory, flavorful sauce that all meld together in the slow cooker for an effortless, comforting meal. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Just set it, forget it, and let the slow cooker do all the hard work. Whether you’re busy at home or just need an easy dinner for a busy night, this casserole is the ultimate go-to for when you want comfort food without the fuss. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, and you’ll have yourself a meal that feels like a treat.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole

Easy and Hands-Off

The best part about this recipe? It’s incredibly easy! Toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. No need for constant stirring or monitoring. It’s like having dinner cook itself!

Hearty and Filling

Packed with sausage, vegetables, and savory seasonings, this casserole is perfectly balanced and will keep you full and satisfied for hours. It’s the kind of meal you’ll be excited to come home to after a long day.

Flavorful

The sausage simmers in its own juices, infusing the entire casserole with rich, savory flavor. With every bite, you’ll taste the depth of the slow-cooked ingredients, and the veggies provide a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the savory sausage.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This casserole makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day. It’s also perfect for batch cooking—just double the recipe and freeze the extra for another day when you’re short on time.

Crowd-Pleasing

This is a guaranteed hit at family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends. Everyone loves a hearty casserole, and this one delivers on taste and satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole, here’s what you’ll need:

• Italian Sausage (or any sausage of your choice): This is the star of the dish, providing bold, savory flavor. You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausage depending on your preference.
• Potatoes: Creamy, tender potatoes add heartiness to the casserole and soak up all the flavorful juices.
• Carrots: These add a nice sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Onions: They’ll caramelize and bring a depth of flavor as they cook down.
• Bell Peppers: A pop of color and sweetness—these will balance out the richness of the sausage.
• Garlic: For that aromatic, savory bite that complements the sausage perfectly.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: To create the base of the casserole and keep everything nice and moist.
• Italian Seasoning: For that herby, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning to taste.
• Olive Oil: For browning the sausage before slow cooking (optional, but it brings out extra flavor).

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make your delicious Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole:

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and cook the sausage until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Breaking it up into chunks as it cooks helps create a crumbled texture that will mix well with the other ingredients. Once browned, transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the sausage is browning, peel and chop your potatoes, carrots, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Slice your bell peppers and mince the garlic. Toss all the vegetables into the slow cooker with the sausage.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Liquids

Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good mix to ensure the sausage and veggies are well-coated with the flavorful liquids.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 6-7 hours or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but I recommend going low and slow to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 5: Serve

Once the casserole is ready and everything is tender, give it one last stir. Then serve it up hot and enjoy all those cozy flavors! For a finishing touch, sprinkle with some fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra pop of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 19g

• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 55mg
  Sodium: 800mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
  Protein: 18g
  Vitamin A: 70%
  Vitamin C: 50%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low)
Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole

With Crusty Bread

There’s nothing like a big bowl of casserole paired with crusty bread. Tear off a piece to soak up the delicious juices—it’s the perfect pairing.

A Side Salad

Pair your casserole with a simple green salad for some freshness and crunch. A light vinaigrette dressing will balance out the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Vegetables

Serve with a side of roasted vegetables—think roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or even a medley of root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes. It’ll add some extra texture and color to the meal.

With Rice or Mashed Potatoes

If you love your casseroles with an extra starch, serve this alongside rice or a big scoop of mashed potatoes for a comforting, filling meal.

Additional Tips

Use Different Sausage Varieties

Feel free to mix things up by using different types of sausage! Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even spicy sausage can add variety to this dish. You can also experiment with vegetarian sausage if you prefer a plant-based version.

Customize the Veggies

Switch up the vegetables to match your taste or what you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach could make delicious additions or swaps. Just make sure to add them toward the end of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.

Make it Spicy

Want to add a little heat? Add some red pepper flakes, or use a spicy sausage for a kick that’ll make this casserole even more exciting!

Prep Ahead

You can chop and prepare the veggies ahead of time to save some effort on the day you’re cooking. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Leftovers

This casserole stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen sausage in this recipe?
A1: Yes! If you’re using frozen sausage, just thaw it first before browning. Frozen sausage may release extra moisture, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Q2: Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
A2: Yes, you can cook this casserole on high for 3-4 hours, but low heat will give you the best results in terms of flavor and tenderness.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I add beans to the casserole?
A5: Absolutely! Cannellini beans or kidney beans would work well and add extra fiber and protein. Just add them in when you add the other vegetables.

Q6: Can I substitute the potatoes?
A6: Yes! You can use sweet potatoes or even cauliflower florets if you want a low-carb option.

Q7: Can I use store-bought sausage links?
A7: Definitely! If you prefer sausage links, just cut them into chunks before adding them to the slow cooker.

Q8: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A8: Yes! Swap the sausage for vegetarian sausage or lentils to make this a plant-based meal.

Q9: Can I double this recipe?
A9: Yes, you can double this recipe, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q10: What sides go well with this casserole?
A10: Some great side dishes include roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Conclusion

There’s no better comfort food than a slow-cooked, savory casserole that practically makes itself. With Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole, you’re getting hearty, flavorful food with minimal effort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is here to impress and satisfy. So throw those ingredients into the slow cooker, sit back, and enjoy the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth results!

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