If you are yearning for a comforting and effortless meal to brighten up your dinner routine, this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe is just the ticket. Imagine tender sausage mingling with hearty potatoes, sweet baby carrots, and flavorful herbs, all simmered slowly to create a dish bursting with warmth and satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and gathers everyone around the table eager for that first delicious bite. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or looking to add a dependable classic to your recipe box, this casserole will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing together wonderful textures, fresh flavors, and a comforting color palette that makes every spoonful truly memorable. The simplicity of these ingredients also makes it easy to put together, even on the busiest days.
- Sausage (1 lb): Choose pork, chicken, or turkey, depending on your preference; each offers a slightly different flavor profile and texture.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked slowly.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant, savory kick that wakes up the senses.
- Baby carrots (1 1/2 cups, sliced): Bring a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Potatoes (1 1/2 cups, diced): Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for that creamy, starchy heartiness.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): Adds brightness, moisture, and a subtle tang to balance the richness.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Helps create a flavorful base, melding all ingredients beautifully.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy, slightly floral notes enhancing the overall complexity.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings an herbal punch that complements the savory sausage perfectly.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness for subtle depth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Stirred in near the end for a pop of color and fresh sweetness.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup, optional): Cheddar or mozzarella for a melty, gooey topping that’s pure comfort.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Begin by slicing the sausage into one-inch pieces if you’re starting with whole sausages. This allows for even cooking and easy spooning later on. If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, simply slice it and skip straight to adding it into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Place the sausage into a skillet over medium heat and cook until browned, about five to seven minutes. Breaking it up into smaller bits while browning not only enhances the flavor through caramelization but helps the sausage blend beautifully with the rest of the casserole’s hearty veggies.
Step 3: Transfer Sausage to Slow Cooker
Once browned, transfer the sausage pieces to your slow cooker. This is the base of your casserole and the starting point for layering all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced baby carrots, diced potatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper right into the slow cooker. This medley of ingredients promises a symphony of flavors and textures that slowly meld together during cooking.
Step 5: Cooking Time
Give everything a good stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. The low-and-slow method ensures that your vegetables become tender, sausage is fully cooked, and all those savory herbs infuse into every bite.
Step 6: Add Frozen Peas
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in your frozen peas. This ensures they remain bright and tender without losing their fresh flavor or texture from overcooking.
Step 7: Optional Cheese Topping
If you love a little extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole roughly 10 to 15 minutes before serving and cover with the lid. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly over the top, adding a luscious richness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, give everything a gentle stir to combine the melted cheese with the ingredients below and serve warm. This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, rich in flavor and comfort.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves can brighten the plate and add a lovely herbal freshness to contrast the warmth of the slow-cooked casserole. A small dollop of sour cream can also add a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with the sausage and spices.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but creamy mashed potatoes, a simple green salad, or steamed green beans make excellent companions. They bring lightness and crunch that complement the rich, tender casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole over warm crusty bread or puff pastry shells for a rustic, rustic-inspired presentation. You can also plate individual servings in shallow bowls and top with a fried egg for an extra layer of comfort food goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen with time, making reheated portions even tastier.
Freezing
This casserole freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat the casserole gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it seems too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages work well. Just adjust cooking times if you use pre-cooked sausages.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage before slow cooking?
Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor and a pleasant texture, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and cook the sausage directly in the slow cooker.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Feel free to include bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
Do I need to thaw frozen peas before adding them?
No need! You can add frozen peas directly to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the casserole covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until everything is cooked through and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends, and the leftovers are just as good as the first serving. Give it a try—you might just find your next go-to dish that warms your heart and satisfies your taste buds every time.
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Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: approximately 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole featuring tender sausages, vegetables, and flavorful herbs cooked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole simmers slowly, blending savory sausage with carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and peas, with an optional cheesy topping for extra richness. Perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Meat
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey – your choice)
Vegetables
- 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 and Broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
Spices and Herbs
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: Slice whole sausages into 1-inch pieces if using whole sausages. This ensures even cooking and better integration with other ingredients.
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage pieces until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking them into smaller pieces as they cook. If using pre-cooked sausage, simply slice it and skip this step.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked sausage or sliced uncooked sausage directly into the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cook the Casserole: Stir all ingredients together, cover the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is fully cooked.
- Add Frozen Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas to allow them to heat through without becoming mushy. Continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Top with Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole about 10-15 minutes before serving. Cover to help the cheese melt thoroughly.
- Serve: Stir the casserole well before serving to combine the melted cheese and peas evenly, and enjoy your warm, delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage type depending on your preference, including pork, chicken, or turkey.
- Cheese topping is optional but adds a creamy, rich flavor to the casserole.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and moderate salt to control sodium levels.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Ensure vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before cooking for convenience.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
