If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe. It’s a beautiful medley of savory sausage, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and rich tomato flavors slow-cooked to perfection, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or gathering friends around the table. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite sausage and add cheesy goodness if you want to take it up a notch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to a delicious Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the savory sausage providing the meatiness, to the fresh vegetables adding texture and sweetness, and the herbs layering in that irresistible aroma and flavor. The magic truly happens when all these simple, wholesome ingredients come together in your slow cooker.
- Sausage (1 lb): Choose pork, chicken, or turkey sausage based on your preference for flavor and fat content.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when slow-cooked with the other ingredients.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the casserole with a fragrant subtle punch.
- Baby carrots (1 1/2 cups, sliced): Bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Potatoes (1 1/2 cups, diced): Yukon Gold or Russet; their creaminess balances the meaty sausage.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained): Provides acidity and a rich sauce base.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps everything moist and infuses more flavor as it simmers.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): A herb that adds an earthy, slightly minty note.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Complements the tomatoes with a robust and slightly bitter taste.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and color.
- Salt and pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Added near the end for a pop of sweetness and bright green color.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup, optional): Cheddar or mozzarella for a melty, indulgent topping.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Sausage
Start by slicing your sausages into 1-inch pieces if they are whole. Browning them in a skillet until they’re nicely caramelized seals in the flavor and adds a gorgeous color to the casserole. If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, simply slice and skip the browning.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned sausage into the slow cooker, then add the chopped onion, garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, canned tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to blend all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The long cook time gently softens the vegetables and melds the sausage’s rich flavor throughout the casserole. When the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender, you’re almost there.
Step 4: Add Frozen Peas
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas. This keeps them from becoming mushy and adds a fresh burst of color and sweetness to the dish.
Step 5: Optional Cheesy Topping
If you’re craving a cheesy finish, sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese over the casserole around 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Cover and let the cheese melt into a gooey, irresistible layer that perfectly complements the rustic flavors below.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Give everything a final stir so the melted cheese blends in, then serve your Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe piping hot. It’s a one-pot wonder that always feels special and satisfying.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme sprigs make a lovely garnish, adding a fresh accent to the rich casserole. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a little grated cheese on top can boost the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This sausage casserole shines best alongside crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious juices. For a lighter take, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a perfect contrast to the casserole’s warmth and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe in rustic bowls or deep plates for an inviting family-style meal. You can also dish it into individual ramekins and sprinkle cheese on top for a charming baked presentation. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of creamy yogurt gives it an extra touch of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausage casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavors. It tastes great reheated and often benefits from a quick stir to restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Cool the casserole completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will stay good for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and reheat on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce and keep the casserole creamy. If you added cheese before freezing, you might want to sprinkle fresh cheese on top when reheating to refresh that melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible with sausage types. Pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages can all work well. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed, especially with pre-cooked or plant-based sausages.
Do I need to brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker?
Browning the sausage first adds flavor and improves texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. The casserole will still taste great; it just won’t have that caramelized depth.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, feel free to experiment by adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans. Just keep in mind cooking times to avoid mushy or undercooked veggies.
Is it okay to prepare this recipe without cheese?
Definitely. The cheese topping is optional and the casserole is delicious on its own. Cheese adds richness and a gooey finish but skipping it keeps the dish lighter.
Can I cook this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe on high if I’m short on time?
Yes, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours works perfectly. Just check vegetables for tenderness before serving to avoid undercooked potatoes or carrots.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe is such a comforting and easy dish to make that it quickly becomes a family favorite. The hearty ingredients, combined with slow-cooked bliss, create a plate full of warmth and flavor that’s perfect any day of the week. I hope you give it a try and make it your go-to for effortless, delicious home cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Featuring a flavorful combination of sausage, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it slowly simmers to perfection, blending rich flavors and creating a warm, satisfying dish. Easily customizable with your choice of sausage and optional cheese topping, this recipe offers a simple yet delicious dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey – your choice)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups baby carrots, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella – optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: If using whole sausages, slice them into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage pieces until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking them into smaller pieces as they cook. This step enhances flavor by caramelizing the sausage. If using pre-cooked sausage, slice and skip this step.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned sausage or sliced uncooked sausage to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is fully cooked through.
- Add Frozen Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas to allow them to defrost and heat through without losing texture.
- Optional Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the casserole approximately 10-15 minutes before serving. Cover the slow cooker to allow the cheese to melt smoothly over the dish.
- Serve: Stir the casserole gently before serving to distribute the melted cheese and peas evenly. Enjoy your warm and hearty slow cooker sausage casserole.
Notes
- You can use any type of sausage including pork, chicken, or turkey, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- For a thicker casserole, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Feel free to swap out frozen peas for other vegetables like green beans or corn.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
