© Original Recipe By The Daily Garnish ©
🍽️✨ Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole: Comfort Food Made Simple
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal on a busy weeknight, this slow cooker sausage recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, flavorful sausages nestled among crispy potatoes and aromatic herbs, all cooked slowly until everything melts in your mouth. This hearty casserole combines all the comforting flavors you love, with minimal effort and maximum taste. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 4-6 hours: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
- One-pot comfort food: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Versatile and customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite herbs or vegetables.
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep: Make ahead and reheat effortlessly.
3. Ingredient Notes
Choosing quality ingredients elevates this dish to restaurant-quality. Opt for high-quality sausages such as **Italian sausage, bratwurst, or maple breakfast sausage**, depending on your flavor preference. Fresh potatoes are best; Russets or Yukon Golds give a crispy yet creamy texture when cooked. Use aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary to add depth—dried ones work in a pinch but fresh herbs infuse a brighter, more vibrant flavor. A splash of good extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper tie everything together beautifully.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To make this recipe effortlessly, you’ll need a reliable slow cooker, such as the Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. For chopping potatoes and herbs, a sharp Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master makes prep quick and precise. Baking dishes or sheet pans can help crisp the potatoes if you prefer a roast finish. These tools streamline your process and push your comfort food skills to the next level.
5. How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole
Preparation
Start by slicing potatoes into even chunks to ensure uniform cooking. Toss them in a bowl with a generous drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. At this stage, the potatoes should be coated evenly and ready to add to the slow cooker.
Layering in the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced sausages at the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer the seasoned potatoes on top. Add chopped garlic and fresh herbs for an aromatic touch. Pour a mixture of chicken broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to keep everything moist and flavorful. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. During cooking, you’ll notice the sausages release rich juices, and the potatoes become tender and infused with savory flavors.
Finishing Touches
Once cooked, offload the dish and for a crispy edge, transfer potatoes to a sheet pan to brown in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an inviting presentation.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use high-quality sausages for maximum flavor; avoid low-fat options which can become dry.
- Layer ingredients properly—place sausages at the bottom for even cooking and better juice release.
- Don’t lift the lid frequently—this extends cooking time and can dry out your casserole.
- Adjust seasonings at the end; taste and add more salt, pepper, or herbs accordingly.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you want to customize your casserole, try swapping potatoes for sweet potatoes or adding vegetables like bell peppers and onions. For a lower-carb version, replace potatoes with cauliflower florets. Vegetarian? Use hearty plant-based sausages and add extra vegetables for flavor and texture.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until steaming hot. For the best crispy potatoes, reheat in an oven or air fryer. Check out the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer for quick crispy reheats.
9. FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare everything the night before, then set your slow cooker to cook in the morning. The flavors will meld beautifully, making for an easy weeknight dinner.
What type of sausage works best for this casserole?
Italian sausage, bratwurst, or spicy chorizo all work wonderfully. Choose based on your preferred spice level and flavor profile.
How do I get crispy potatoes?
For crispy edges, transfer cooked potatoes to a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, use the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast.
Is this dish suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, by swapping potatoes for cauliflower, you can enjoy a keto-friendly version of this hearty casserole.
10. Conclusion
This easy comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. With tender sausages, crispy potatoes, and aromatic herbs, your family will love this slow cooker sausage and potato casserole. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, hearty dish with minimal effort—best served straight from your slow cooker!
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Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole with sausage, potatoes, and herbs cooked to perfection in the slow cooker.
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausages (pork or chicken), sliced
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the sausage slices until cooked through. Set aside.
- Add diced potatoes, chopped onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Layer the browned sausage on top of the potato mixture.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken sausages for pork for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add sliced bell peppers or a splash of chicken broth.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg