If you’re searching for the ultimate feel-good dinner, nothing beats coming home to a bubbling, hearty Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole. This crowd-pleasing classic is loaded with juicy sausages, sweet vegetables, cannellini beans, and a punchy tomato sauce that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas. All it takes is a little chopping, some quick browning, and your slow cooker does the rest—leaving you with a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful! It’s my favorite answer to busy nights and hungry families, and I just know you’ll love every spoonful.

Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how a handful of basic ingredients can transform into such a rich, savory casserole. Each component brings its own superstar quality to the Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole, from the meatiness of the sausages to the sweetness of the vegetables, all simmering together in a fragrant, tomato-ey sauce.

Pork sausages (1 1/2 lbs): For that robust, meaty flavor—feel free to use your favorite variety for a personalized touch.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds depth by browning the sausages and brings a lovely richness to the base.
Onion (1 large, sliced): Gives the casserole sweet, savory undertones that meld into the sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with aromatic warmth and a hint of spice.
Carrots (3, sliced): Bring a subtle sweetness and soften beautifully as they cook.
Bell peppers (2, diced): Add color and a gentle, fruity crunch.
Diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 oz each): The heart of the sauce, lending tangy brightness to every bite.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Helps meld all the flavors and creates that luscious, scoopable consistency.
Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Rounds out the sauce and boosts the tomato intensity.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): For a gentle smokiness that takes the casserole to new heights.
Dried thyme (1 tsp): Delivers an herby, woodsy note that makes the casserole unmistakably cozy.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Adds savory Mediterranean flair to the sauce.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for balancing all the flavors; adjust to your taste.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A hint of mellow heat in each bite.
Cannellini beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Creamy and hearty, these beans soak up the sauce perfectly.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tbsp, optional): Scattered on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausages and brown them on all sides for about five minutes. You don’t need to cook them all the way through—just aim for a golden, caramelized exterior. This step builds big flavor and ensures every bite of your Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is deeply savory.

Step 2: Layer the Vegetables

Once the sausages have their golden color, transfer them to the slow cooker. Top them with sliced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. Nestling the sausages under the vegetables allows all those juices to mingle, infusing the veggies as they slowly cook.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir. Right away you’ll notice how vibrant and aromatic the mixture becomes—this is going to turn into a sauce you’ll want to mop up with every bit of bread!

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop on the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the sausages are completely cooked through, and the vegetables are meltingly soft. This long, gentle simmer helps the flavors develop into pure comfort food bliss.

Step 5: Add the Beans

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in the drained cannellini beans. They’re already cooked, so this timing lets them warm through and soak up some of the saucy goodness without getting mushy.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

When your Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is piping hot and fragrant, scatter over a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a welcome burst of color and freshness. Dish it up while it’s still steaming and let the comfort begin!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole

Garnishes

A final flourish is all it takes to brighten your Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for color, or try fresh thyme leaves if you’d like even more herbal notes. For a little heat, a pinch of chili flakes is fantastic. A drizzle of good olive oil can make each portion even silkier.

Side Dishes

This casserole absolutely begs to be served alongside something hearty and carb-y. Crusty bread is a must for scooping up that velvety sauce—you could even toast the slices and rub them with a bit of garlic. Creamy mashed potatoes make for a luxurious pairing, while simple steamed rice or buttered noodles balance out the rich flavors just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinner, serve the Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole straight from the pot at the center of the table—let everyone dig in! For more formal gatherings, you can ladle portions into shallow bowls, top with parsley, and add a hunk of bread on the side. To turn leftovers into a cozy brunch, spoon the casserole over toasted sourdough and top with a runny poached egg.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day! Just wait for the casserole to cool completely before sealing it up and refrigerating.

Freezing

This dish is a lifesaver for batch-cooking fans—pour cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen. Beans and sausages freeze wonderfully, so your casserole will taste as good as new.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems a little thick, loosen with a splash of water or broth. You can also pop individual portions in the microwave, covered, in one-minute bursts until hot.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage in Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole?

Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausages work great for this recipe. Just pick something flavor-packed so it stands up to the slow simmer.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the pork sausages for your favorite vegetarian or vegan sausages, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get a delicious, protein-packed casserole with all the comfort you crave.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Try adding chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or even chunks of potato for extra heartiness. Just keep in mind that very tender veggies should go in during the last hour so they don’t turn to mush.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole ends up with a thinner sauce than you’d like, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes and let it simmer so the liquid reduces. You can also stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or mash a few beans to add body.

Can I prep this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Brown the sausages and prep all your veggies the night before. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker, press start, and enjoy your evening worry-free!

Final Thoughts

If your family loves a cozy, flavor-packed meal, Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is destined to become a regular in your kitchen. It’s fuss-free, totally satisfying, and ideal for sharing with the people you love. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious comfort food can be!

Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 29 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 flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With a mix of sausages, vegetables, beans, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage Casserole:

1 1/2 lbs pork sausages
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 bell peppers, diced
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Sausages: Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the sausages. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Prepare the Casserole: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers to the slow cooker. Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, spices, salt, and pepper.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. In the last 30 minutes, add cannellini beans.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with bread or mashed potatoes.