Slowcooker Sausage Casserole
- Recipe Introduction
- Let's talk sausages and whatnot...
- And now for the sauce and beans...
- Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking on with our Winter Crockpot Meals!
- The Ultimate Winter Sausage & Bean Crockpot Casserole
- Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Winter Crockpot Meals Game
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper winter warmer recipes ? Then how about this sausage casserole recipe ? This winter crockpot meal is a hug in a bowl.
Honestly, it’s like someone bottled the feeling of a cosy night in.
Brief Overview
This easy crockpot recipes is inspired by classic British comfort food slow cooker like bangers and mash. This slow cooker sausage casserole is minimal effort, maximum flavour.
This dish is easy, taking around 20 minutes to prep, and 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high.
This recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
Beans and sausages provide protein. This sausage and bean casserole is a nutritional powerhouse that's still proper tasty. It’s the perfect dish after a long day, or any occasion needing easy comfort.
What makes this recipe special? It's a hearty winter stews that basically cooks itself!
Let's talk sausages and whatnot...
Okay, so for this slow cooker winter recipes , you'll need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil.
- 1.5 lbs good quality pork sausages. Cumberland or Lincolnshire, something like that.
- One big onion, chopped.
- Two carrots, peeled and chopped.
- Two celery stalks, chopped.
- Two cloves of garlic, minced.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste.
It’s time to get started. Don’t skimp on the sausages now! They make the dish. The better the sausage, the better the casserole!
And now for the sauce and beans...
Right, nearly there! For the rest of this best winter crockpot meals , you'll also need:
- One can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
- One can of cannellini beans, rinsed.
- One can of kidney beans, rinsed.
- A cup of chicken broth.
- A teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Half a teaspoon of dried rosemary.
- A bay leaf.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
I sometimes chuck in a little pinch of chilli flakes too for a kick, but that's just me being extra.
But, It adds extra flavor. And Don't forget the crockpot sausage and vegetables
Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking on with our Winter Crockpot Meals!
Right then, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this stonking slow cooker sausage casserole . Honestly, it’s proper easy.
I love easy crockpot recipes , especially when it’s cold outside. This sausage casserole recipe is my go-to.
Main Ingredients: The Sausage Spectacular!
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). For browning those sausages, you know?
- Pork Sausages: 1.5 lbs (680g) of good quality ones like Cumberland or Lincolnshire. Get about 8 to 10. Trust me, splurge a bit; you want proper sausages for proper flavour. Quality is key here.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped. About a cup should do it.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. Again, around a cup.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. You guessed it, a cup's worth.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
- Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Adds that lovely richness.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz or 411g), undrained.
- Cannellini Beans: 1 can (15 oz or 425g), rinsed and drained.
- Kidney Beans: 1 can (15 oz or 425g), rinsed and drained. This classic sausage and bean casserole is the best winter crockpot meal .
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml).
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp .
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 tsp .
- Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be afraid to season well.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bomb!
Thyme and rosemary are your base here. They bring that classic winter warmer recipes vibe. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of chilli flakes.
If you don't have dried herbs, a tablespoon of mixed Italian herbs works a treat. It’s about creating comfort food slow cooker .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot): 6-quart or larger. The bigger, the better. If you only have a smaller one, just halve the recipe.
- Large Skillet: For browning the sausages. A frying pan will do too.
- Basic Kitchen Tools: Cutting board, knife, measuring spoons and cups. Honestly, that's all you need. You can even brown the sausages in the slow cooker if you're feeling lazy. Just make sure to use a slow cooker safe pan.
This hearty winter stews is so easy that I bet you are going to love making and eating this slow cooker winter recipes ! Enjoy these crockpot sausage and vegetables for a cozy treat!
The Ultimate Winter Sausage & Bean Crockpot Casserole
Fancy some proper comfort food slow cooker ? With winter just around the corner, nothing beats a hearty, flavour packed casserole.
I'm talking about a sausage and bean casserole that’s so easy, it practically cooks itself. Honestly, easy crockpot recipes are a lifesaver.
This recipe draws inspiration from the classic "bangers and mash" and those soul warming British stews we all crave. Get ready for a rich, flavourful, and seriously satisfying meal minimal effort required! I love how the browned sausages, tender beans, and a savory tomato sauce come together.
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon
Okay, first things first: let's get organized. Mise en place is key here. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince your garlic.
Open those tins of beans. This whole shebang should take about 20 minutes. It's a game changer, trust me.
Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole: step-by-step
Right, here's the super simple lowdown:
- Brown those sausages: In a pan with 1 tbsp olive oil , get your 1.5 lbs of sausages nice and brown. Set aside.
- Sauté the veg: Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5- 7 minutes . Add the garlic and 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute .
- Crockpot time: Chuck everything veggies, 1 can diced tomatoes , 1 can cannellini beans , 1 can kidney beans , 1 cup chicken broth , 1 tsp thyme , ½ tsp rosemary , and 1 bay leaf – into the slow cooker.
- Sausage action: Chop the sausages into bite sized pieces. Add them to the slow cooker.
- Simmer, simmer: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . You're aiming for tender veggies and a slightly thickened sauce.
- Taste and tweak: Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve it up: Remove the bay leaf and serve hot with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for a Next Level Sausage Casserole Recipe
Don't skip browning those sausages, alright? It adds a serious depth of flavour. Also, low and slow is the way to go for the best flavor meld.
One common mistake? Not using good quality sausages. Treat yourself! Oh, and if you want to prep ahead, you can chop all the veggies the night before.
The better the sausage, the better the winter crockpot meals ! Deglaze pan to increase flavor.
So there you have it: The best winter crockpot meals does not need to be a chore! A cracking sausage and bean casserole recipe that’s perfect for those chilly evenings.
It’s proper hearty winter stews , perfect for when you need that extra bit of warmth. Serve it with crusty bread, winter warmer recipes , or mashed potatoes for the full experience.
Enjoy your comfort food slow cooker !
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Winter Crockpot Meals Game
Honestly, getting the recipe right is just the start. Here are a few extra bits that will take your sausage casserole recipe to the next level.
Think of it as adding that cheeky pinch of salt to bring out all the flavour.
Serving Suggestions: Turning Comfort Food Into a Feast
Let's face it. We eat with our eyes first. So, forget just slopping it in a bowl. For plating, try a swirl of mash in the middle, casserole nestled around it, topped with fresh parsley.
It's winter warmer recipes at their finest.
Complementary sides? You know I love a good chunk of crusty bread for mopping up that delicious sauce. And a cheeky pint of Guinness never goes amiss.
Or maybe some buttered green beans to add a bit of colour. Don't forget your easy crockpot recipes.
Storage Tips: Saving Goodness for Later
Got leftovers? Lucky you! For refrigeration, let the slow cooker sausage casserole cool completely before popping it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing? Absolutely! Portion it out into freezer safe containers. It'll happily sit there for up to 3 months .
Reheating is a doddle. Just microwave it until piping hot, or gently reheat on the hob. Add a splash of broth if it's looking a bit dry.
Enjoy this comfort food slow cooker wonder whenever you want!
Variations: Putting Your Stamp on it
Dietary swaps? Easy peasy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free sausages. For a veggie option, swap the sausage for some big chunks of mushroom.
That way you can still keep it hearty and delicious, just like all the best winter crockpot meals.
Seasonal swaps? In autumn, add some chunks of butternut squash or sweet potato. They add a lovely sweetness.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Winter Adventures
Right, a quick overview. This crockpot sausage and vegetables dish is packed with protein from the sausages and beans. It's also got a good dose of fibre and some essential vitamins.
I'd say It is a winner for keeping you fueled up and happy through those dark evenings.
Remember, this is just an estimate, and it depends on what you chuck in.
So there you have it. My notes on this hearty winter stews recipe. Honestly, it's foolproof. So get stuck in and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this winter crockpot meals recipe ahead of time? I'm proper busy during the week!
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to adding the sausages) in the crockpot insert the night before, store it in the fridge, and then pop it into the slow cooker in the morning. Just make sure to add a bit of extra cooking time, perhaps an hour, to compensate for the cold ingredients. Easy peasy!
What's the best way to store leftover sausage and bean casserole? I always end up with a mountain of it!
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, portion it out into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, you can microwave it, or gently warm it in a saucepan on the hob or even back in the crockpot on low.
A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley will bring it back to life!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier are there any lighter swaps I can make in this winter crockpot meals recipe?
Good on ya! You can use leaner chicken or turkey sausages instead of pork, and trim any excess fat before browning. Swapping one of the cans of beans for another vegetable, like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, also cuts down on the carbs.
Serve with a side of steamed greens instead of mashed potatoes and crusty bread to keep it light.
My slow cooker is a bit temperamental; how do I know when this sausage casserole is actually done?
The casserole is done when the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. The sausages should be cooked through. Give the carrots a poke; they should be easily pierced with a fork.
If the sauce is too thin for your liking after the cooking time, you can remove the lid and cook on high for another 30-60 minutes to allow it to reduce.
Can I add other vegetables to my ultimate winter sausage & bean crockpot casserole?
Of course! Feel free to raid your fridge and add whatever veg you fancy. Mushrooms, courgette (zucchini), parsnips, or even some chopped kale would all work brilliantly. Just toss them in with the other vegetables at the beginning of the recipe and let the slow cooker work its magic.
It's a great way to use up leftover veggies!
Slowcooker Sausage Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
