If you’re craving a comforting meal that fills the house with warm aromas and fills your belly with pure satisfaction, this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked sausages mingling with vibrant carrots, hearty potatoes, and a rich blend of herbs, slowly melding together into one luscious, flavorful dish. It’s simplicity and heartiness rolled into one pot—a true crowd-pleaser that welcomes you home after a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the comforting texture and robust flavors that make this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe a standout. From the savory sausage to the fresh vegetables and carefully selected herbs, every addition is essential.
- Sausage (1 lb): Choose pork, chicken, or turkey sausage depending on your preference for a juicy, savory base.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant punch that enhances all the savory ingredients.
- Baby carrots (1 1/2 cups, sliced): Offer a slight sweetness and vibrant color to brighten up the dish.
- Potatoes (1 1/2 cups, diced): Yukon Gold or Russet provide creamy texture and substance.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): Bring acidity and juicy richness to balance the meatiness.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Ensures the casserole stays moist and flavorful while cooking low and slow.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy herbal note that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Introduces a warm, slightly peppery hint to the casserole.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings mild smokiness and color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Crucial for balancing all flavors perfectly.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Tossed in near the end for sweet bursts of freshness and color contrast.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup, optional): Cheddar or mozzarella can be sprinkled on top for a melty, gooey finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Slicing your sausages into 1-inch pieces is the best way to ensure every bite of this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe is bursting with meaty goodness. This chopping step readies the sausage for even cooking and easier mixing with the vegetables.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Cooking the sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until browned brings out incredible depth of flavor. Breaking it up while cooking helps spread the sausage evenly throughout the casserole. If you’re lucky enough to have pre-cooked sausages, just slice and skip this step—you’re speeding right to dinner.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Your Slow Cooker
Transfer your beautifully browned sausage into the slow cooker, then layer in the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, and seasoning. This colorful medley shapes the hearty soul of the Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Mix everything together gently, cover, and let the magic happen. Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours allows the vegetables to become tender and the sausage to infuse the broth with savory richness. The slow cooker truly makes everything melt into harmony.
Step 5: Add Frozen Peas
Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. This timing preserves their sweetness, bright color, and slightly crisp texture—even after more cooking. It’s a small but essential step in making the dish balanced and inviting.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping
For an extra cozy twist, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the casserole 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Cover and let the cheese melt into a gooey blanket that will have everyone smiling before the first bite.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Give everything a good stir to combine the melted cheese, peas, sausage, and veggies, then dish it up. This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food—you’re going to love every forkful.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a dash of herbal brightness that lightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can personalize each serving beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad for a crisp contrast or warm crusty bread to scoop up every savory bit. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple coleslaw also make fantastic companions that won’t overshadow the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins topped with cheese and broiled for a golden crust. Or layer it over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for extra indulgence and texture variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep delicious and safe to eat for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick reheat.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore moisture if it thickens too much. You can also sprinkle on fresh cheese during reheating for that melty comfort sensation again.
FAQs
Can I use any type of sausage for this casserole?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer pork, chicken, turkey, or even a spicy variety, the Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe is flexible and adapts beautifully to your favorite sausage flavors.
Do I need to brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker?
While browning the sausage adds extra flavor and better texture, it’s optional if you’re short on time. The slow cooker will cook the sausage thoroughly, though the taste and presentation will be richer with the browning step.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Simply substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The herbs and vegetables will still deliver delicious comfort vibes.
What can I serve with the Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe?
It pairs nicely with green salads, steamed veggies, or simple breads. You can also get creative with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all the wonderful sauce.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this casserole remains tasty and safe for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep or next-day enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those meals that hugs you from the inside out—comforting, hearty, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm kitchen on a chilly day. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and treat yourself to this delightful, fuss-free dinner. I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 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
This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring browned sausage, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection. Easy to prepare and packed with flavors, it’s an ideal meal for busy days and family dinners. Optional cheese topping adds a delicious melty finish.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey – your choice)
Vegetables and 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 work well)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and 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, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: If using whole sausages, slice them into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and ease of serving.
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage pieces until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks to enhance flavor and texture. If using pre-cooked sausage, simply slice and skip browning.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker, along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Cook: Stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker to mix well. Cover and cook on low heat 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 retain their texture and color, then continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Add Cheese Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole about 10-15 minutes before serving. Cover the slow cooker to allow the cheese to melt smoothly over the casserole.
- Serve: Stir the casserole well before serving to distribute the cheese and peas evenly. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting slow cooker sausage casserole!
Notes
- You can use any type of sausage—pork, chicken, or turkey—to suit your taste preference.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or stovetop.
- This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
