If you’re searching for a hearty, utterly comforting meal the whole family will love, look no further than Crockpot Sausage Casserole. It’s loaded with juicy smoked sausage, tender potatoes, sweet bell peppers, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that comes together practically on its own. Imagine arriving home to the aroma of this wholesome dish bubbling away in your slow cooker — it’s homey, flavorful, and a guaranteed weeknight winner.

Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Crockpot Sausage Casserole is refreshingly simple, but each component brings something special. From the savory sausage to the pop of color from the veggies and the creamy, dreamy sauce, every ingredient plays a key role in making this dish unforgettable.

Smoked sausage or kielbasa: Provides rich, savory flavor and a hearty bite that holds up well during slow cooking.
Potatoes: When diced and slow-cooked, these break down into tender bites that soak up the sauce.
Bell pepper: Adds brightness, sweetness, and a splash of color to the casserole.
Onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor once cooked down.
Garlic: Just two cloves give an aromatic lift without overpowering the dish.
Cream of mushroom soup: Forms the backbone of the luscious, creamy sauce — use your favorite brand or a homemade version if you like.
Sour cream: Adds lovely tang and smoothness to the sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, amplifying creaminess and flavor.
Milk: Loosens the sauce just enough that everything melds together without becoming runny.
Paprika: A gentle smoky spice that enhances the color and subtly boosts the overall taste profile.
Dried thyme: Brings a touch of earthiness that plays well with creamy, cheesy elements.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and bring all the flavors into harmony.
Chopped parsley: Optional, but finishes the dish with a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of green.

How to Make Crockpot Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Start by slicing your smoked sausage or kielbasa into hearty rounds. Next, peel and dice your potatoes, chop the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic. Pile all these wonderful ingredients straight into your crockpot — this is the base of your flavor-packed Crockpot Sausage Casserole.

Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will magically transform into a thick, creamy sauce while it cooks, blanketing all the veggies and sausage in flavorful richness.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the sauce mixture over everything in the crockpot. Be sure to give it a gentle stir so that the potatoes, sausage, and veggies are all evenly coated. Resist the temptation to overmix; you want those layers intact so the flavors blend beautifully as they cook.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook — either 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high works perfectly. As the hours tick by, everything melds together: the potatoes become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the smoky sausage infuses everything with savory goodness. Gently stir just before serving for the ultimate creamy texture.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

When it’s time to serve, sprinkle on plenty of chopped parsley if you like a fresh finishing touch. This little extra brightens up each bowl of Crockpot Sausage Casserole with color and a subtle pop of flavor.

How to Serve Crockpot Sausage Casserole

Garnishes

A simple shower of fresh parsley works wonders here, but don’t stop there if you’re feeling inspired! A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, finely sliced green onions, or even a few crispy fried onions add another layer of flavor and appeal to the dish.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Sausage Casserole is plenty hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast, or add buttered peas or simple steamed green beans for more veggie goodness on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try spooning the casserole into oven-safe bowls, topping with a little extra cheddar, and popping them under the broiler until bubbly. Or, serve over fluffy rice for a twist, or even inside baked potatoes for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal. Leftovers also make stellar hand pies or stuffed peppers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Sausage Casserole keeps very well. Just let it cool, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen with time, making leftovers an absolute treat for quick lunches or suppers.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it a terrific make-ahead option. Portion cooled servings into freezer-safe bags or containers, label, and freeze for up to three months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer portions to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute bursts until piping hot, stirring halfway through. On the stovetop, a splash of milk or broth in a covered pan over low heat does the trick. If you prefer, you can rewarm bigger portions in the oven at 325°F covered with foil until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage for Crockpot Sausage Casserole?

Absolutely! Smoked sausage and kielbasa are classic, but feel free to use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a well-seasoned vegetarian sausage. Just be sure to choose one with plenty of flavor, as it will infuse the whole dish.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make Crockpot Sausage Casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check that your sausage is certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free as written.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, this recipe is wonderfully flexible. Toss in frozen peas, green beans, or corn during the last hour of cooking for more texture, color, and nutrients. Zucchini or carrots work, too — just keep them in bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is it possible to prepare everything in advance?

Definitely! You can slice the sausage and prep all the veggies the night before, then store them in the fridge. Whisk together the sauce ingredients as well. In the morning, just dump everything into your crockpot and go.

Can I double this recipe to feed a crowd?

For sure! Double all the ingredients and use a large 6- or 8-quart slow cooker. Just check that the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before serving. If you’re making a mega batch, you might need an extra 30 to 60 minutes’ cook time on low.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about this ultra-satisfying, endlessly customizable Crockpot Sausage Casserole. It’s the ultimate slow cooker comfort food, packed with flavor and made with love. I hope you’ll give it a try soon — your kitchen (and your family) will thank you!

Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with smoked sausage, potatoes, bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa (sliced into rounds)
4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 bell pepper (chopped)
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Add the sliced sausage, diced potatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cook: Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the crockpot and stir to coat evenly. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Serve: Stir gently before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

You can substitute cream of chicken soup or use a homemade version for a cleaner option.
Add frozen peas or green beans during the last hour for extra veggies.
Works well with turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage alternatives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American