Crockpot Sausage Casserole

Introduction

Looking for a cozy, hands-off dinner that’s hearty, family-friendly, and budget-conscious? This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is your ultimate solution. With crockpot recipe searches increasing by over 50% during fall and winter, this one-pot wonder is exactly what busy cooks need—comfort food made easy. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let the flavors build as it simmers into perfection.

Ingredients List

1 lb (450g) smoked or Italian sausage, sliced into rounds
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Substitution Suggestions:

Use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version
Sweet potatoes or zucchini can replace carrots
Add spinach in the last 10 minutes for extra greens

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6–8 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the sausage

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage slices for 3–5 minutes until golden. This adds depth of flavor (optional but recommended).

Step 2: Add everything to the crockpot

In your slow cooker, combine the sausage, onion, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Slow cook

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors are well developed.

Step 4: Finish and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or thyme if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 6)

Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g

Healthier Alternatives

Choose turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat
Add cauliflower rice to lighten the dish further
Use low-sodium broth and tomato products for heart-health

Serving Suggestions

Serve over cooked brown rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread
Add a side salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness
Top with shredded cheddar or parmesan for extra indulgence

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the browning step: You’ll miss out on rich, caramelized flavor
Using too much liquid: The crockpot doesn’t evaporate much moisture
Overcooking on high: Sausage can dry out if left too long

Storing Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months—perfect for batch cooking
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth

Conclusion

This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dinner solution that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s versatile, meal-prep friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Try it out this week, and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe for more time-saving slow cooker recipes.