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Crockpot Sausage Casserole – Cozy, Hearty & Effortless

This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is everything you love about comfort food: smoky sausages, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, tomatoey sauce that comes together with minimal effort. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it simmer, and come home to a cozy, hearty meal perfect for the whole family! 🍲✨
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🌭 Main Ingredients
  • 6 sausages pork, chicken, or plant-based, sliced into chunks
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots peeled & sliced
  • 2 bell peppers chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes diced
  • 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
🌿 Seasonings
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt & pepper to taste
🧀 Optional Toppings
  • Chopped parsley
  • Grated cheese

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Large skillet (optional, for browning sausages)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Brown Sausages (Optional but recommended)
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat; brown sausage chunks on all sides for extra flavor.
  2. Transfer to crockpot.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Crockpot
  1. Add onion, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings (paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper) to the crockpot.
  2. Stir everything together.
Step 3: Slow Cook
  1. Cover and cook on Low 6–8 hours or High 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
  1. Remove bay leaf.
  2. Stir casserole; adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated cheese if desired.
Step 5: Enjoy
  1. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Veggie Swap: Add mushrooms, peas, or zucchini.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausages or add red pepper flakes.
Low-Carb: Skip potatoes; use cauliflower florets instead.
Bean Addition: Stir in canned beans in the last hour for extra protein.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled casserole up to 3 months; thaw overnight.
Reheat: Warm in microwave or stovetop until heated through.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I have to brown sausages first?
No, but it adds flavor and better texture.
Can I use frozen sausages?
Yes—thaw before adding for even cooking.
What type of sausage is best?
Any you like—pork, chicken, turkey, or vegan.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes—assemble in crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes—if sausages are certified gluten-free.
Can I add wine?
Yes—replace ½ cup broth with red wine for deeper flavor.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Stir in cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes.
Can I cook it on the stovetop?
Yes—simmer covered on low 1–1.5 hours.
What sides go well?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Can kids eat this?
Yes—it’s mild and family-friendly.
🏁 Conclusion
This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is a cozy, fuss-free meal bursting with flavor—perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy a hearty dinner everyone will devour! 🍲🌭