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.