Description
This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting slow cooker meal featuring browned pork sausages, a medley of fresh vegetables, and cannellini beans, all simmered together in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner that delivers rich, smoky flavors and tender textures, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Meat & Protein
- 6 pork sausages, browned and sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Oils & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown Sausages: In the same skillet, add the pork sausages and brown them on all sides over medium heat, ensuring they develop a golden crust. Once browned, slice the sausages into thick pieces.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the crockpot. Add the browned and sliced sausages along with the carrots, celery, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or on high heat for 3–4 hours. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add Beans and Season: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the drained cannellini beans to heat through. Season the casserole with salt and black pepper to your taste. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the casserole into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, optionally alongside crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute pork sausages with chicken sausages or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick to the casserole.
- Serve this casserole with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
