Crockpot Sausage Casserole – A Hearty Comfort Dish for Busy Days

There’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a warm, hearty Crockpot Sausage Casserole after a long day. This dish is the ultimate comfort food—flavorful smoked sausage, tender potatoes, and colorful bell peppers all simmered together in a savory tomato base. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve been cared for all day long, even if your slow cooker did all the work while you were out.

This casserole has roots in the rustic kitchens of Europe, where sausage and vegetables have been slow-braised for centuries. The modern crockpot brings this tradition into today’s busy households, making it easier than ever to enjoy a rich, filling, and fuss-free dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a perfect go-to.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
• 6 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning sausage)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the sausage slices for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a caramelized crust. Transfer to crockpot.
2. Add cubed potatoes, diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic into the crockpot with the sausage.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
4. Season with smoked paprika, thyme, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.
6. Adjust seasoning before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Tricks

• Browning the sausage first adds a deep smoky flavor—don’t skip this step!
• If you want a thicker sauce, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before serving.
• This dish is even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld overnight.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage instead of smoked sausage for a bold flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Add carrots, celery, or zucchini to sneak in more vegetables.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before serving for a creamy, melty twist.

Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty bread or garlic rolls
• A crisp green side salad
• Steamed green beans or buttered corn

Crockpot Sausage Casserole

A hearty and flavorful slow-cooked dish with smoked sausage, potatoes, peppers, and onions simmered in a savory tomato base.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, European

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt and black pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Skillet
• Crockpot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in skillet, brown sausage slices 2–3 minutes per side, transfer to crockpot.
2. Add potatoes, onion, bell peppers, and garlic to crockpot.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
4. Season with paprika, thyme, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender.
6. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Perfect for meal prep, freezes well, and reheats beautifully.

Storage Information

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot throughout.

FAQ

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prep the vegetables and sausage the night before, refrigerate, and simply combine with liquids in the crockpot the next morning.
• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Absolutely. Use about 3–4 fresh tomatoes, diced.
• What type of sausage works best? Smoked kielbasa, andouille, or even Italian sausage are all great choices.

History / Fun Facts
Casseroles have been popular for centuries, especially in Europe where they were slow-baked in clay ovens. The introduction of the electric slow cooker in the 1970s revolutionized this traditional cooking method, giving families the ability to prepare “set it and forget it” meals. Sausage casseroles remain a staple across cultures, symbolizing warmth, comfort, and practicality.