Recipe for Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

This hearty and flavorful slow cooker sausage casserole is the perfect weeknight meal. It's easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum deliciousness. The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy sausages and perfectly cooked vegetables, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish the whole family will love. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, allowing you to swap out vegetables or add different herbs and spices to create your own unique version.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 4-6 people and requires minimal prep time.

• 1 tbsp olive oil: For a little extra flavor.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 carrots, chopped: Provides sweetness and color.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
• 1 lb sausages (your choice): Cumberland, pork, or even vegetarian sausages work well. Remove from casings if desired for a smoother texture.
• 1 tbsp plain flour: Helps to thicken the sauce.
• 1 pint chicken or vegetable stock: Provides the base for the flavorful sauce.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds an aromatic herbal note.
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary: Enhances the savory flavor.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds complexity to the sauce.
• 1 cup chopped potatoes: Adds heartiness and texture.
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms: Adds a lovely earthy flavor and texture
• 1 tbsp tomato puree: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Season to your preference.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor.

2. Brown the sausages: Add the sausages to the pan and cook for a few minutes, browning them slightly on all sides. This adds texture and richness to the finished dish.

3. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the vegetables and sausages to your slow cooker. Stir in the flour, stock, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, potatoes, mushrooms and tomato puree. Season generously with salt and pepper.

4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

5. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal.

Tips and Variations:

• For a thicker sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornflour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or green beans.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, sage, or marjoram.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.

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