Description
This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring flavorful sausage, tender vegetables, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for easy meal prep, this dish simmers slowly to meld the spices and create a rich, satisfying casserole that’s ideal for family dinners.
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)
- 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)
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 the meat into smaller bits. If using pre-cooked sausage, skip this step and proceed to slicing.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned sausage or sliced uncooked sausage into the slow cooker bowl.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cook the Casserole: 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 through.
- Incorporate Frozen Peas: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir the frozen peas into the casserole to heat through without overcooking.
- Add Cheese Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top 10-15 minutes before serving, cover the slow cooker to allow the cheese to melt smoothly.
- Serve: Give the casserole a final stir before serving to evenly distribute the ingredients and enjoy your warm, flavorful sausage casserole.
Notes
- You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausage depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if you prefer spicier or milder flavors.
- Adding the peas later preserves their vibrant color and fresh texture.
- The cheese topping is optional but adds a creamy, melty finish that complements the dish well.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
