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. Using a slow cooker ensures tender, succulent meat and perfectly infused vegetables. Let's dive into the details!

Ingredients for your Delicious Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole:

• 1 kg Cumberland sausages (or your favorite variety): Choose sausages with good flavor; this is the star of the show!
• 1 large onion, chopped: Provides a sweet base to the casserole.
• 2 carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Contributes a subtle earthy flavor.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
• 1 tbsp plain flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
• 500ml chicken stock: Creates a rich and flavorful base.
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes: Adds acidity and body to the sauce.
• 1 tbsp tomato purée: Intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: A classic herb pairing for sausage.
• 1 tsp dried rosemary: Adds a slightly piney, aromatic note.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For garnish.
• Mashed potatoes or crusty bread: To serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece:

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 (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, lightly browning the sausages in the same pan before adding them to the slow cooker will enhance their flavor and give them a nice texture.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Add the sautéed vegetables, browned sausages (if browning), flour, chicken stock, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole:

• Choose your Sausages Wisely: Experiment with different sausage types – pork, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages will all work well.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the casserole before serving and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can remove some of it and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) before returning it to the slow cooker.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: For a complete meal, add some cooked pasta or rice to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can I use frozen sausages? A: Yes, you can use frozen sausages, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or two.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a regular oven? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the ingredients to an oven-safe dish. Cover and bake for 1.5-2 hours, or until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This slow cooker sausage casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, combined with its rich and satisfying flavors, makes it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy!