Enjoy the Best Crockpot Sausage Casserole for Family Dinners

Crockpot cooking is a game-changer for busy home cooks. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious, wholesome meal waiting for you at the end of the day. One recipe that exemplifies the convenience and comfort of slow cooking is the Crockpot Sausage Casserole. This savory, one-pot wonder combines tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, tomato-based broth. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this easy-to-prep, family-friendly dish!

Table of Contents

Understanding the Key Ingredients

The beauty of the Crockpot Sausage Casserole lies in its simple, yet satisfying ingredient list. At the heart of the dish are 1 lb of smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces. Smoked sausage not only adds a delightful savory flavor, but its firm texture holds up beautifully in the slow cooking process. To balance the richness of the sausage, we’ve got 4 potatoes, diced into cubes, providing a hearty, starchy base.

Rounding out the vegetable lineup are 1 onion, chopped, and 1 bell pepper, also chopped. These aromatics lend depth and complexity to the overall dish, while the bell pepper contributes a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. To bring it all together, we have a can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of chicken broth, which create a flavorful, simmering liquid for the casserole.

Finally, a teaspoon of paprika adds a touch of smoky, earthy flavor, tying the whole dish together. This simple spice blend allows the natural flavors of the sausage, potatoes, and vegetables to shine, without overpowering the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Crockpot Instructions

Preparing the Crockpot Sausage Casserole couldn’t be easier. Start by prepping your ingredients: slice the sausage, dice the potatoes, and chop the onion and bell pepper. Once everything is ready, simply add all the ingredients to your crockpot, including the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and paprika. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. The slow cooking process allows the sausage to infuse the broth with its savory essence, while the potatoes and vegetables become deliciously soft and fork-tender.

When the Crockpot Sausage Casserole is done, all that’s left to do is spoon it into bowls and enjoy! The hearty, comforting flavors make this dish a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

Tips for Serving and Enjoying

The Crockpot Sausage Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a simple steamed vegetable like broccoli or green beans. The rich, saucy casserole also complements creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread perfectly.

For leftovers, simply store the Crockpot Sausage Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, you can either warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of the Crockpot Sausage Casserole is its versatility. While the recipe calls for smoked sausage, you can easily substitute other types of sausage, such as Italian, andouille, or even kielbasa, to suit your personal preferences.

To add more vegetables to the mix, consider tossing in diced carrots, green beans, or even sliced mushrooms. For a spicier twist, you can increase the amount of paprika or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

If you’d like to make the Crockpot Sausage Casserole vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also experiment with plant-based sausage alternatives to maintain the dish’s hearty, savory character.

For those who prefer to use the oven or stovetop, the Crockpot Sausage Casserole can be easily adapted. Simply combine all the ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes, or simmer on the stovetop over medium-low heat for 30-45 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• One-Pot Sausage and Peppers Mac and Cheese
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi
• Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a sausage casserole in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! The Crockpot Sausage Casserole is the perfect slow cooker recipe, as the long, gentle cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to become deliciously tender.

Can you put raw sausages in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can add raw sausages directly to the crockpot for this recipe. The slow cooking process will ensure the sausage is cooked through and infuses the entire dish with its savory flavor.

Do I need to cook sausages before putting in casserole?

No, there’s no need to pre-cook the sausages for this Crockpot Sausage Casserole recipe. The slow cooker will handle all the cooking for you, transforming the raw sausage into a tender, flavorful component of the dish.

What do you put in a sausage casserole?

The key ingredients in this Crockpot Sausage Casserole are sliced smoked sausage, diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and paprika. This combination of protein, vegetables, and seasonings creates a hearty, comforting casserole.

Conclusion

The Crockpot Sausage Casserole is a true dinnertime hero. With its simple preparation, hands-off cooking, and irresistible flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend feast, this sausage-studded casserole is sure to hit the spot. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of a delicious, hassle-free crockpot creation?

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