Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole will steal your heart and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Juicy sausages, colorful veggies, and tender beans simmer together in a savory tomato sauce, creating a British-inspired comfort dish that’s as hearty as it is easy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or batch-cooking for the week, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort—the perfect one-pot wonder for busy days or lazy weekends alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole lies in its straightforward, honest ingredients—each one plays a starring role, adding depth, color, or texture to the final dish. Gather your fresh produce and pantry staples, and you’re well on your way to a dinner that feels like a warm hug.

• Sausages: Use pork, beef, or even plant-based links—cut into chunky pieces for hearty bites and extra flavor throughout the casserole.
• Olive oil: A quick sauté in olive oil brings out the sausages’ best side and adds a subtle richness to the sauce.
• Onion: Sliced onion melts into the sauce, bringing sweetness and depth to every spoonful.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, infuse the casserole with a savory, aromatic kick.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots soften beautifully during slow cooking, adding color and a gentle sweetness.
• Celery: Celery’s mild flavor and tender crunch round out the vegetable medley.
• Red bell pepper: Chopped red pepper adds a pop of color and a subtle tang to the dish.
• Diced tomatoes: A can of tomatoes provides the juicy, flavorful base for the sauce.
• Tomato sauce or passata: This thickens the casserole and amps up the tomato flavor.
• Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep things light but still deeply savory.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon packs in umami and a touch of tang.
• Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herby note that complements the sausage perfectly.
• Smoked paprika: Smoky, slightly sweet paprika gives the casserole a lovely warmth and color.
• Dried oregano: Brings a Mediterranean touch and balances the tomato-rich sauce.
• Cannellini or butter beans: Creamy beans add heartiness, protein, and a silky texture.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to bring all the flavors together.
• Chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens up the finished dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your sausage chunks and let them sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re lightly golden on all sides. This step boosts the flavor and gives your casserole a rich, savory base, but you can skip it if you’re short on time or want to keep things ultra-simple.

Step 2: Pile Everything Into the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned sausages to your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. This vibrant veggie mix will add sweetness, color, and plenty of nutrients to the finished casserole.

Step 3: Add Sauces and Seasonings

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce or passata, and chicken broth. Drizzle in Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle over the thyme, smoked paprika, oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors and coat the sausages and veggies evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let the magic happen—cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The vegetables will turn meltingly soft, and the sausages will soak up all that fragrant sauce. If you like a thicker casserole, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.

Step 5: Add the Beans

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini or butter beans. They’ll warm through, absorb some sauce, and add that signature creamy texture that makes Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole so satisfying.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Dish up generous ladlefuls and get ready for some serious comfort food bliss!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole

Garnishes

Finish your Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness. If you’re feeling extra, add a dusting of grated Parmesan, a dollop of sour cream, or even a handful of thinly sliced scallions for a little crunch and zip.

Side Dishes

This casserole is made for soaking up sauce, so serve it with slices of crusty bread, a mound of creamy mashed potatoes, or a scoop of fluffy rice. These sides not only complete the meal but also let you savor every last drop of the luscious tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole in individual bowls with a swirl of pesto or a drizzle of olive oil on top. For a rustic family-style dinner, pile it high in a big serving dish and let everyone dig in. Leftovers also make a fabulous baked potato topping or can be spooned over cooked pasta for a whole new twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep beautifully for up to three days—making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole freezes like a dream! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave—just add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems a bit thick, and cover loosely to avoid splatters.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage in this casserole?

Absolutely! While classic pork or beef sausages are delicious, you can swap in chicken, turkey, spicy chorizo, or even your favorite plant-based sausages. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if your sausages are already heavily spiced.

Is it necessary to brown the sausages before slow cooking?

Browning the sausages adds a rich, savory depth to the casserole and helps them hold their texture, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time or want to cut down on prep. The dish will still be tasty, just a bit lighter in flavor.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

For a thicker sauce, simply remove the slow cooker lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. You can also mash a few beans into the sauce or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste if you prefer an even heartier consistency.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free sausages and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and broth are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! Swap in parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans for a twist, or add a handful of baby spinach at the end for extra color and nutrients. This recipe is wonderfully flexible to suit your tastes and what’s in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole enough—it’s the kind of meal that brings people together and makes even the chilliest day feel warm and inviting. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen. Happy slow cooking!

Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting British-inspired dish featuring tender sausages simmered with a medley of vegetables, beans, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers deep flavors with minimal effort, it can be customized with different sausage types and served with bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.

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Ingredients

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Sausages and Meat

• 1 lb pork or beef sausages, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

Liquids and Sauces

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or passata
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Herbs and Spices

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or butter beans, drained and rinsed

Garnish

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Brown the Sausages: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown the sausage pieces for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden. This step adds flavor but can be skipped for ease. Transfer the sausages to the slow cooker.
2. Add Vegetables and Liquids: Add sliced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and chopped red bell pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce or passata, low-sodium chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in thyme, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine evenly.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender and sausages are cooked through.
4. Add Beans: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini or butter beans and allow them to warm through with the casserole.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice as preferred.

Notes

• Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice for a fuller meal.
• You can swap in plant-based sausages or spicy chorizo for variation.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
• Use gluten-free sausages to keep the recipe gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: British-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg