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
Scale
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.
