Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself, the Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish is a British-inspired classic that brings together juicy sausages, tender veggies, and creamy beans in a rich, smoky tomato sauce, all gently simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s pure comfort food that’s so satisfying and easy, you’ll want to make it again and again—whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth of flavor, a burst of color, or that irresistible saucy texture. With just a few simple, everyday staples, you’ll create a casserole that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps brown the sausages for extra flavor.
- Pork sausages (1 1/2 pounds): The star of the show, bringing hearty, savory goodness to every bite.
- Large onion, sliced: Gives sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the casserole with aromatic warmth and a touch of zing.
- Carrots, sliced (3): Add color, subtle sweetness, and a lovely tender texture.
- Celery stalks, sliced (2): Deliver a gentle crunch and savory undertones.
- Red bell pepper, chopped: Brightens the casserole with color and natural sweetness.
- Canned chopped tomatoes (2 x 14 oz): Form the savory, tangy base of the sauce.
- Chicken or beef broth (1 cup): Helps meld all the flavors together and keeps the casserole moist.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a deep, umami kick that’s utterly crave-worthy.
- Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Brings gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers an earthy, herby note that rounds out the flavors.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends a classic Mediterranean touch.
- Bay leaf (1): Adds subtle fragrance as the casserole simmers.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides gentle background heat.
- Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz can): Creamy and satisfying, they soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): The perfect fresh, colorful finishing touch.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausages
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausages and brown them for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally so they’re golden on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives the sausages a mouthwatering caramelized surface—don’t skip it! Once browned, transfer the sausages directly to your crockpot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (no need to clean it out), toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant—the onions will soften a bit and pick up all those tasty browned bits left by the sausages. Add this aromatic mixture to the crockpot, spreading it evenly over the sausages.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now pile in the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. These colorful veggies will become meltingly tender as they cook, adding body and natural sweetness to your Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour the chopped tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste into the crockpot. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, ensuring the sausages are nestled among the vegetables and sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer, slower cook time lets all the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a sauce that’s rich and complex and sausages that are supremely tender.
Step 6: Add the Beans
About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. They’ll soak up the savory sauce without turning mushy, making the casserole extra hearty and satisfying.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Before serving, don’t forget to fish out and discard the bay leaf. Spoon the casserole into bowls and scatter over the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Your Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe is ready to devour!
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you can also add sliced green onions or a pinch of extra smoked paprika for a little extra flair. If you like a bit of heat, a few chili flakes on top will do the trick.
Side Dishes
This casserole loves to be paired with crusty bread that’s perfect for sopping up all that luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are also fantastic sides, transforming your Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe into a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, rustic presentation, serve the casserole in individual mini-cast iron skillets or deep soup mugs. Hosting a gathering? Set up a “casserole bar” with toppings like grated cheese, chopped herbs, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes like a dream! Simply let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them loosely to prevent splatters. If the sauce seems a bit thick after chilling, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausages in this Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to try chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausages for a lighter or vegetarian twist. Just make sure the sausages are hearty enough to hold their shape during the long, slow cook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free sausages and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What kind of beans work best?
Cannellini beans are classic for their creamy texture, but you can swap in butter beans or even chickpeas if you prefer. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before adding.
Can I make this Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! This casserole is a perfect make-ahead meal. Prepare it the day before, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve. The flavors only get better with time.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, add a chopped chili pepper to the veggies or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce before cooking. Spicy sausages also work beautifully in this Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving cozy, hands-off comfort food that’s bursting with flavor, this Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe is truly a must-try. Give it a go, make it your own, and watch it become a staple at your family table—delicious, simple, and endlessly satisfying!
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Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting slow cooker meal featuring juicy pork sausages simmered with a medley of vegetables, cannellini beans, and smoky spices. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it delivers rich flavors and tender textures with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Sausage and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds pork sausages
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Spices and Herbs
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausages: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausages and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Transfer the browned sausages to the crockpot.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Add these to the crockpot.
- Add vegetables to crockpot: To the crockpot, add sliced carrots, celery, and chopped red bell pepper along with the sausages and sautéed aromatics.
- Mix in tomatoes and liquids: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce thoroughly ensuring everything is blended well.
- Season the casserole: Add smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix to distribute the spices evenly.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add the beans: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking time, stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans so they heat through without losing their texture.
- Finalize and serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley to finish.
Notes
- This casserole pairs perfectly with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
- Use chicken or turkey sausages as a lighter alternative to pork sausages.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.
- To make gluten-free, ensure sausages and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: British, European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
