Introduction
Oh, the magic of a slow cooker! There’s something incredibly heartwarming about walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the most amazing aroma. And when that aroma comes from a simple, delicious casserole that practically makes itself? Pure bliss! This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is that recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings back memories of cozy evenings, and it’s so ridiculously easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a weekly tradition already. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, get ready to fall in love with this one-pot wonder!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast (Prep Time): Seriously, you’ll spend less than 15 minutes getting this into the slow cooker!
- Easy: No fancy techniques, no complicated steps. Just toss everything in and let your crockpot do the work.
- Giftable: While you’ll want to eat it all yourself, this is a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or share with a neighbor.
- Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to grandparents, everyone adores this savory, satisfying casserole. It’s pure comfort food!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the hardest part of this recipe, and honestly, it’s not hard at all! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced: I love using a kielbasa or an Andouille sausage for a little extra kick, but any smoked sausage will be delicious.
- 4 medium potatoes, diced: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully here. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: A yellow or white onion adds a lovely sweetness.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. Green works too if that’s what you have!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Don’t drain them! The juice adds crucial flavor and moisture to the casserole.
- 2 cups chicken broth: This helps everything simmer and become tender. Vegetable broth works too if you prefer.
- 1 tsp paprika: This little spice adds a warm, smoky depth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this flavor party started! It’s so simple, you’ll have more time to relax or play with the kids.
- Combine Everything: Grab your slow cooker insert (or right into the crockpot if it’s removable). Toss in your sliced smoked sausage, diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and that can of diced tomatoes with all its juices.
- Add the Liquids and Spice: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the paprika. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure it’s all nicely combined.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker. You have two options for cooking time:
- Low and Slow: Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. This is perfect if you’re heading out for the day or want it ready for dinner when you get home.
- Faster Fix: Cook on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. This is great if you’re starting later in the afternoon or have a craving that needs satisfying a bit sooner.
Either way, you’re looking for the potatoes to be fork-tender and the sausage to be heated through.
Substitutions & Additions
This casserole is wonderfully forgiving, which is why I love it so much! Feel free to play around and make it your own.
- Veggies Galore: Want to add more vegetables? Frozen peas or corn added in the last hour of cooking are fantastic. Sliced carrots or zucchini would also be delicious!
- Cheesy Goodness: Who doesn’t love cheese? Stir in a cup or two of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra creamy, dreamy casserole.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika, or use a spicier smoked sausage.
- Broth Swap: Beef broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can make your Crockpot Sausage Casserole even better:
- Potato Size Matters: Try to dice your potatoes into roughly uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being mushy and others still firm.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If your slow cooker is very full, the ingredients might not cook evenly. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger slow cooker or splitting it into two.
- Prep Ahead Power: Chop your veggies and measure out your broth the night before. You can even slice the sausage. In the morning, all you have to do is dump and go!
- The Lid is Your Friend: Resist the urge to lift the lid while it’s cooking! Every time you lift it, you lose heat, and it adds to the cooking time.
How to Store It
Leftovers are a beautiful thing, especially with this casserole!
- In the Fridge: Once cooled, store any leftover Crockpot Sausage Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until warmed through, or gently reheat the entire casserole in a covered dish in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through. I sometimes add a splash more broth if it seems a bit dry after refrigeration.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes! Smoked sausage is already cooked, but if you’re using another type of pre-cooked sausage (like breakfast sausage links, though sliced smoked sausage is ideal for flavor), it will still work beautifully.
Q: My potatoes are still hard, what did I do wrong?
A: This usually happens if the potatoes were cut too large, if there wasn’t enough liquid, or if the slow cooker isn’t heating as efficiently as it should. For larger potato chunks, you might need to cook on low for the full 8 hours or even a bit longer. Ensure you’ve used the full 2 cups of broth.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can swap the smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative, or simply omit it and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots. You might want to add a bit more paprika and perhaps a pinch of smoked salt to mimic that smoky flavor.
Crockpot Sausage Casserole
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
- 4 medium potatoes diced, bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes do not drain
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Grab your slow cooker insert (or right into the crockpot if it's removable). Toss in your sliced smoked sausage, diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and that can of diced tomatoes with all its juices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the paprika. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure it’s all nicely combined.
- Cover your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and sausage is heated through.