Name: Crockpot Sausage Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sausages (Italian, bratwurst, or spicy pork); 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 3-4 potatoes, cubed; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup beef or chicken broth; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

When the air gets cooler and my schedule heats up, I turn to recipes that practically cook themselves. That’s where this Crockpot Sausage Casserole comes in. It’s the kind of hearty, soul-warming dish that reminds me why I love slow cooking so much. You toss everything in, go about your day, and come back to a bubbling pot of deliciousness.

The flavors meld beautifully in the slow cooker. Sausages get perfectly tender, the vegetables soak up all the juicy goodness, and the sauce thickens into a rich, savory coat that hugs every bite. I remember making this the first time on a rainy afternoon and being blown away by how something so simple could taste like it had been simmering in a country kitchen all day.

I love serving this with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce, or sometimes over creamy mashed potatoes if I really want to indulge. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better. This recipe has become a staple for me, especially when I want to impress without the stress. If you’re into comforting one-pot wonders like my Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta or need another cozy option like Shipwreck Dinner, you’re going to love this Crockpot Sausage Casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Sausage Casserole

This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is everything you want in a comforting meal. It’s incredibly flavorful, with juicy sausages and tender veggies bathed in a robust tomato-based sauce. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a bit of chopping and the push of a button, you can let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, it’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Sausages: The star of the dish. Choose hearty, flavorful ones like Italian, bratwurst, or spicy pork to infuse the casserole with rich depth.

Onions: These create a sweet, caramelized base that enhances the overall savory profile.

Garlic: Just a few cloves add a wonderful aromatic boost and pair beautifully with the sausages.

Carrots: They bring a subtle sweetness and soften into the stew, adding great texture.

Bell Peppers: These colorful additions add brightness, a bit of crunch, and absorb the delicious sauce.

Potatoes: Hearty and filling, they help bulk up the dish and soak up all the savory flavors.

Tomato Paste: Concentrated and bold, it enriches the sauce with a robust tomato essence.

Crushed Tomatoes: These form the base of the sauce and simmer down into a rich, comforting stew.

Beef or Chicken Broth: Adds a layer of savory depth to the sauce and ensures everything cooks evenly.

Paprika and Thyme: These spices bring a gentle warmth and herby undertone.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors.

Olive Oil: For browning the sausages and sautéing the veggies before slow cooking.

How to Make Crockpot Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown them on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives the sausages a nice texture. Don’t worry about cooking them through; they’ll finish in the crockpot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and the onions turn translucent. This builds a deep flavor base.

Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot

Add the browned sausages and sautéed vegetables into your crockpot. Stir in the potatoes, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The sausages will be tender, the vegetables soft, and the sauce rich and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the casserole hot, straight from the crockpot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily tweak this Crockpot Sausage Casserole to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. For the sausages, feel free to swap in turkey or chicken sausages for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, try using plant-based sausages or even hearty lentils as a substitute.

Add beans like cannellini or kidney beans for extra protein and texture. You could also mix in some leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a nutritious touch. Not a fan of bell peppers? Try zucchini or mushrooms instead. The broth can be either chicken or beef, or even vegetable stock depending on what you have.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This casserole is rustic and filling, so I like to keep things simple. Crusty bread is a must to mop up all that savory sauce. It also goes beautifully over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.

For drinks, think red wine like a Merlot or Shiraz. If you’re serving kids or non-drinkers, a cold glass of apple cider works surprisingly well too. To round out the meal, add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

To reheat, microwave single servings for 2-3 minutes or warm in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water.

You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sausages for Crockpot Sausage Casserole?

It’s best to thaw sausages first to ensure they cook evenly and develop the right texture. Browning them before adding to the crockpot enhances their flavor too.

How spicy is Crockpot Sausage Casserole?

The spice level depends on the sausages you use. Choose mild or sweet sausages for a kid-friendly version, or go with spicy ones if you love heat.

Can I cook Crockpot Sausage Casserole on high instead of low?

Yes! Cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 on low. Just make sure the vegetables are tender and the sausages are fully cooked.

What should I serve with Crockpot Sausage Casserole?

Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice are all great options. A simple green salad also balances the richness of the casserole.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you love this Crockpot Sausage Casserole, don’t miss out on my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for another cozy, dump-and-go dinner. For something with a Southern twist, my Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is another must-try comfort dish that your family will request again and again.

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Make sure you pin this Crockpot Sausage Casserole recipe on your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need an easy dinner idea. Share the love by posting it on Facebook or texting it to a friend who could use a stress-free meal idea. If you made it and loved it, don’t forget to leave a review or tag me in your photos on social media—I love seeing your kitchen creations!

Yield: 6 servings