Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker sausage casserole featuring smoky Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and savory beans simmered together to create a flavorful one-pot meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Oil
- 1 pound smoked or Italian sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Canned Goods and Liquids
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Transfer these sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Into the slow cooker, add the chopped red bell pepper, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, low-sodium chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Slow Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The dish is ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded perfectly.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Serve this casserole over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
- For a spicier twist, use hot sausage or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- This dish freezes well, making it convenient for meal prep or leftovers.
