Hearty Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe

Crafting a hearty slow cooker sausage and potato casserole brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Lazy weekend meals demand something special that satisfies deep hunger.

Savory aromas will drift through your home, promising deliciousness ahead.

Rustic ingredients combine effortlessly in this simple yet delectable dish.

Tender sausage pieces mingle with soft potato chunks, creating a warm meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Minimal preparation means maximum flavor, perfect for busy people seeking a convenient dinner solution.

Let’s uncover how this comforting casserole can become your new favorite weeknight meal.

Why Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Works So Well

• Craft with Minimal Effort: This slow cooker sausage and potato casserole requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Layer with Love: The methodical layering technique ensures maximum flavor distribution, creating a delicious one-pot meal that combines savory sausage, creamy potatoes, and aromatic seasonings.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ingredients and rich, creamy texture, this dish delivers ultimate comfort and satisfaction, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.
• Smart Cooking Solution: Slow cooker method means hands-off preparation, allowing you to walk away and return to a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering meal with minimal active cooking time.

What You Need For Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

• Sausage Links: Adds rich, savory flavor and provides hearty protein to the slow cooker casserole.

• Potatoes, Onions, Garlic: Create a foundation of classic comfort food flavors with varying textures and depth of taste.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to a rich, creamy texture and adds luxurious mouthfeel.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a tangy, melty topping that creates a golden, crispy crust.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Balances and elevates the natural flavors of the ingredients, adding complexity to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Ensures easy release and prevents ingredients from sticking to the slow cooker.

How To Make Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Grab your slow cooker and give it a light coating of olive oil to prevent any stubborn sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Slice the Sausage

Chop those sausage links into perfect half-inch rounds that’ll spread delicious flavor in every single bite.

Step 3: Prep the Potatoes

Peel those potatoes and slice them into quarter-inch medallions. Aim for consistent thickness so everything cooks evenly.

Step 4: Chop the Onions and Garlic

Dice the onions into tiny, uniform pieces and mince the garlic cloves super fine. This will help them blend and release maximum flavor.

Step 5: Create the First Layer

Start building your casserole by spreading a layer of potato slices across the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a solid foundation for your dish.

Step 6: Build Delicious Layers

• Potato slices
• Sausage rounds
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle each layer with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to amp up the taste.

Step 7: Continue Layering

Keep building those layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Make it look gorgeous and tasty!

Step 8: Add Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream over everything. Let the liquid sneak between the layers and create a super creamy texture.

Step 9: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 6-7 hours until potatoes are tender and sausage is completely cooked.

Step 10: Cheese Finale

During the last 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Watch it melt into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 11: Rest and Settle

After cooking, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the liquid thicken slightly.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out generous portions that capture all the delicious layers. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Helpful Tips For Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

• Grease for Ease: Lightly oil your slow cooker to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup, making post-meal washing a breeze.
• Choose Uniform Cuts: Slice sausage and potatoes into consistent sizes to ensure even cooking and a perfectly balanced texture in every bite.
• Season Generously: Layer salt, pepper, and thyme between each ingredient to create a depth of flavor that permeates the entire casserole.
• Melt and Elevate: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese during the final cooking stage to develop a golden, crispy top that adds richness and visual appeal.
• Rest and Settle: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after cooking, letting flavors meld and the sauce thicken for a more cohesive dish.

Easy Add-Ons For Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

• Spicy Sausage Delight: Replace mild sausage with spicy chorizo or andouille for a fiery kick, adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Swap sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or roasted mushrooms, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Herb-Infused Casserole: Experiment with fresh rosemary, sage, or oregano instead of thyme, creating a unique herbal flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese for a lactose-free adaptation.

Tasty Pairings For Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

• Savor Complementary Flavor Combinations
• Unleash Zesty Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir to cut through the richness of the sausage and creamy cheese, balancing the dish's hearty profile with refreshing acidity.
• Elevate Side Salad Match: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, peppery contrast against the creamy, savory casserole, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Craft Rustic Bread Companion: Select a crusty sourdough or herb-infused focaccia to soak up the luscious cream and chicken broth, adding textural complexity and helping to mop up every delicious layer of the dish.

How To Save Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, preserving quality for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Q&A

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with kielbasa, Italian sausage, or smoked bratwurst. Choose fully cooked varieties for best results.

• Do I need to pre-cook the sausage?

No, the slow cooker will thoroughly cook the sausage while maintaining its flavor and juiciness during the cooking process.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Check sausage labels and use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.

• Can I make this recipe in an oven instead?

Absolutely. Use a covered casserole dish and bake at 375°F for approximately 1-1.5 hours, checking potato tenderness periodically.

Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty slow cooker sausage and potato casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Savory sausage, tender potatoes, and rich seasonings blend into a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 links sausage
• 6 medium potatoes
• 1 large onion

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Liquid and Binding:

• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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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 uniform half-inch thick rounds, creating consistent cooking and flavor distribution throughout the dish.
3. Peel potatoes and cut into quarter-inch thick medallions, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking and texture.
4. Dice onion into small, uniform pieces to promote even caramelization and flavor integration.
5. Mince garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic oils and enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
6. Layer the bottom of the slow cooker with a portion of potato slices, creating a sturdy base for the casserole.
7. Distribute sausage rounds evenly over the potato layer, followed by a sprinkle of diced onions and minced garlic.
8. Season each layer generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, ensuring balanced seasoning throughout the dish.
9. Continue layering potatoes, sausage, onions, and garlic until all ingredients are used, creating a visually appealing and flavorful stack.
10. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream over the layers, allowing the liquid to seep between ingredients and create a rich, creamy texture.
11. Cover slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 6-7 hours until potatoes are tender and sausage is fully cooked.
12. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbly crust.
13. Once cooking is complete, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and liquid to slightly thicken.
14. Serve hot, using a large spoon to scoop out generous portions that capture all layers of the casserole.

Notes

• Always choose high-quality sausage with robust flavor for the best taste profile in your slow cooker casserole.
• Pat sausage and potato slices dry before layering to prevent excess moisture and ensure proper caramelization.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened coconut milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra burst of fresh flavor and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg