Introduction
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I want to share with you my go-to recipe for a delicious and easy hearty slow cooker sausage casserole. This dish has become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Picture this: tender sausages, rich flavors, and a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. Trust me, it’s a winner!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this sausage casserole when I’m in need of a hearty and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a delicious dinner that practically cooks itself. My family goes crazy for this dish because it’s packed with flavor and the sausages become incredibly tender after simmering in the slow cooker for hours. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Ingredients
For this easy slow cooker sausage casserole, you’ll need:
- 8 sausages (your favorite variety)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. I sometimes use spicy sausages to give the casserole an extra kick, or I swap out the carrots for sweet potatoes for a twist. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausages on all sides. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to the casserole. Set the sausages aside once they’re nicely browned.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your trusty slow cooker. Add in the carrots, celery, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
- Gently place the browned sausages on top of the vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. They’ll nestle in and release their savory goodness as they cook.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let the magic happen for 6-8 hours, or until the sausages are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
- Serve the sausage casserole piping hot with a side of crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered a few things that might come in handy:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. It will give the casserole a lovely velvety texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, depending on your taste preferences. The slow cooker is quite forgiving, so you can’t really go wrong!
Variations
I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients in my sausage casserole. Here are a couple of variations I’ve tried:
- For a Mediterranean twist, add a handful of pitted black olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese on top before serving. The salty tang of the olives and cheese takes this dish to a whole new level.
- If you’re a fan of spicy food, throw in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes. It adds a fantastic kick that will warm you up from the inside out.
- For a vegetarian version, swap out the sausages for meatless alternatives like veggie sausages or tofu. The flavors will still be incredible!
Equipment
A slow cooker is essential for this recipe as it allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully over time. If you don’t have one, you can try using a Dutch oven or a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and keep an eye on it.
Storage
This sausage casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Although, to be honest, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! If you have any leftovers, you can simply reheat them in a pan or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving this sausage casserole with a generous dollop of creamy mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the casserole. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous or with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pro Tips
As I’ve learned from my own mistakes, here are a couple of pro tips for you:
- I once tried rushing this recipe by using high heat on the slow cooker. Trust me, it’s not worth it. Low and slow is the way to go for tender sausages and a beautifully developed flavor.
- Don’t worry if the sauce looks a bit watery at the beginning. As the sausages cook, they release their juices, which will naturally thicken the sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen sausages for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before browning them in the skillet. This will ensure even cooking and better flavor.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Of course! This recipe is quite versatile and can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or to have leftovers for the next day.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Definitely! While sausages are the star of this casserole, you can switch things up by using chicken thighs, diced beef, or even lamb. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Now that you have all the secrets to making this easy hearty slow cooker sausage casserole, it’s time to gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this flavorful and comforting dish. Enjoy!
Easy Hearty Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
A delicious and easy hearty slow cooker sausage casserole packed with tender sausages and rich flavors, simmered to perfection with vegetables and herbs. This dish is a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 8 sausages (your favorite variety)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausages on all sides. Set aside once browned.
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Sauté the onion and garlic in the same skillet until fragrant and translucent.
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Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Place the browned sausages on top of the vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until sausages are tender and flavors melded.
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Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.