The Ultimate Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole Recipe
This recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful sausage casserole with minimal effort, perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender vegetables and succulent sausages in a rich, savory sauce. Let's dive into the details!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your liking and seasonal availability.
- 1 kg Sausage: Choose your favorite variety! Cumberland, Lincolnshire, or even Italian sausages all work well. Removing the casings is optional, depending on your preference for texture.
- 1 large Onion: Diced, providing a sweet base to the casserole.
- 2 Carrots: Roughly chopped, adding sweetness and color.
- 2 Celery Sticks: Roughly chopped, contributing a subtle earthiness.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced, adding a pungent aroma and flavor.
- 400g Chopped Tomatoes: Tinned, providing a juicy and tangy base for the sauce.
- 400ml Chicken Stock: Adds depth and richness.
- 1 tbsp Plain Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme: A classic herb pairing for sausage casseroles.
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary: Another excellent herb complementing the sausage and vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional additions: Mushrooms, potatoes (cut into chunks), green beans, or peas can be added for extra substance and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Sausages (Optional): If using sausages with casings, you might want to brown them lightly in a separate pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a delicious crispy element. If using casings removed or pre-cooked sausages, you can skip this step.
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Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and sausages to your slow cooker.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, flour, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is well combined.
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Cook on Low: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
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Serve: Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole:
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the casserole before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more herbs, salt, or pepper to suit your palate.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornflour with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the casserole during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make it Ahead: This casserole tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
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