Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe

Savory Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

Hearty slow cooker sausage and potato casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as this rich dish slowly simmers.

Robust ingredients combine into a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Rustic and straightforward, this recipe works magic for busy households seeking delicious solutions.

Tender chunks of sausage nestle alongside creamy potatoes, creating a perfect one-pot wonder.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor, letting you enjoy more time with loved ones.

Let this comforting casserole become your new go-to weeknight dinner companion.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

  • Why use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Slow cookers help develop deep, rich flavors by allowing ingredients to simmer and blend together gradually, creating a more intense taste profile and ensuring tender, perfectly cooked components.

  • Can I substitute the type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can use different sausage varieties like Italian, bratwurst, or chicken sausage to match your taste preferences or dietary needs while maintaining the dish’s core flavor structure.

  • How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Check that the potatoes are fork-tender and the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F, which ensures safe and delicious results for your meal.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always verify your specific sausage and broth ingredients to confirm they don’t contain hidden gluten sources.

Why Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Works

  • Simplify Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward layering make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, eliminating complex cooking techniques.
  • Hands-Off Preparation: Slow cooker method allows you to walk away while the dish develops rich, deep flavors without constant monitoring or complex interventions.
  • One-Pot Comfort: Combines protein, vegetables, and creamy sauce in a single dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and providing a complete meal solution for busy families.
  • Flavor-Packed Nutrition: Delivers a hearty combination of protein-rich sausage and nutrient-dense vegetables, creating a satisfying and balanced meal everyone will enjoy.

Items For Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

For the Main Components:
  • Sausage Links: Provide a hearty and flavorful protein base for the casserole.
  • Potatoes: Offer a comforting and substantial starch that absorbs the rich seasonings.
For the Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper: Add depth of flavor and create a colorful vegetable foundation.
  • Garlic Cloves: Infuse the dish with a robust and aromatic essence.
For the Liquid and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a moisture-rich cooking environment for the ingredients.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the casserole.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Provide essential seasoning and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Ensures easy release and prevents ingredients from sticking to the slow cooker.

Making Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

Step 1: Grease Slow Cooker

Lightly coat the interior of your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent ingredients from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Slice Sausage

Cut sausage links into bite-sized rounds, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Prepare Potatoes

Chop potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes that will cook evenly and create a perfect texture throughout the dish.

Step 4: Chop Vegetables

Finely dice onions and bell peppers into small, similar-sized pieces to distribute flavors and create a vibrant vegetable mix.

Step 5: Mince Garlic

Chop garlic cloves into tiny pieces to release their intense flavor and add depth to the casserole.

Step 6: Create Sausage Base

Spread sliced sausage across the bottom of the slow cooker, forming a delicious foundation for the dish.

Step 7: Add Potato Layer

Distribute diced potatoes evenly over the sausage, covering the entire surface of the slow cooker.

Step 8: Sprinkle Vegetables

Scatter chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic over the potato layer to create a colorful and aromatic mix.

Step 9: Prepare Liquid Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Whisk these ingredients together to create a rich and flavorful liquid.

Step 10: Pour Liquid

Evenly drizzle the seasoned liquid over the layered ingredients, ensuring everything is well-coated and moistened.

Step 11: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Let the casserole simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for 6-7 hours.

Step 12: Stir Midway

Gently stir the casserole halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and promote even heat distribution.

Step 13: Serve Casserole

Once potatoes are tender and sausage is fully cooked, the casserole is ready to be served hot and steaming.

Best Tips For Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

  • Grease Wisely: Use olive oil spray or a light brush to coat the slow cooker's interior, preventing stubborn food residue and simplifying cleanup.
  • Slice Strategically: Cut sausage into uniform medallions for consistent cooking, ensuring each bite delivers perfect texture and flavor.
  • Potato Precision: Dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes to guarantee even cooking and a tender, satisfying mouthfeel throughout the casserole.
  • Season Generously: Whisk chicken broth, cream, and spices thoroughly to create a rich, flavorful liquid that penetrates every layer of the dish.
  • Monitor Moisture: Stir the casserole midway through cooking to distribute heat evenly and prevent ingredients from sticking or burning.

Recipe Variations For Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

  • Spicy Sausage Kick: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños and add red pepper flakes for a fiery version that brings intense heat to the classic recipe.
  • Mediterranean Mix: Swap chicken broth with vegetable stock, incorporate oregano and feta cheese, and use Italian sausage for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a keto-friendly version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of the original dish.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or firm tofu chunks, using smoked paprika to mimic the original smoky flavor profile.

Foods To Pair With Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

  • Elevate Sausage and Potato Casserole Pairings
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich, creamy casserole with bright acidity and refreshing citrus notes.
  • Complement with Fresh Green Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the hearty, dense casserole textures.
  • Match with Tangy Slaw: Vinegar-based coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing the creamy, savory slow-cooked dish.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Rustic sourdough or French baguette helps soak up the delicious sauce and provides a satisfying textural element.

How To Store Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, spread casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying.
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Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe

Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Savory sausage links and tender potatoes mingle with herbs, creating a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights senses.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 sausage links
  • 6 potatoes
  • 1 onion

Produce:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 bell pepper

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp paprika
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Slice sausage links into bite-sized medallions, creating uniform pieces that will cook evenly throughout the casserole.
  3. Dice potatoes into consistent chunks, approximately 1-inch cubes, to guarantee uniform cooking and perfect texture.
  4. Chop onion and bell pepper into fine, similar-sized pieces to distribute flavors and create a harmonious blend of vegetables.
  5. Mince garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic essence and infuse the dish with robust flavor.
  6. Layer the bottom of the slow cooker with sliced sausage, creating a savory foundation for the casserole.
  7. Arrange diced potatoes over the sausage, ensuring an even distribution across the cooking surface.
  8. Sprinkle chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic over the potato layer to create a colorful and flavorful medley.
  9. Whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a separate bowl to create a rich, seasoned liquid.
  10. Pour the seasoned liquid evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring all components are well-coated and moistened.
  11. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the casserole to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for 6-7 hours.
  12. Occasionally stir the casserole halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and promote even heat distribution.
  13. Once potatoes are tender and sausage is fully cooked, the casserole is ready to be served hot and steaming.

Notes

  • Optimize sausage selection by choosing varieties with robust flavors like andouille or spicy Italian to elevate the overall taste profile.
  • Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives such as half-and-half or milk for a lower-calorie version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Enhance nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to boost dietary fiber and vitamin content.
  • Customize spice levels by experimenting with different seasonings like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or herbs like thyme and rosemary for personalized flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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