Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is the ultimate hands-off dinner for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Juicy sausages, tender vegetables, and creamy cannellini beans simmer together in a rich, smoky tomato sauce infused with paprika and cumin.
With just 15 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, making this dish as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or freezing for later, this hearty casserole is a family favorite that pairs beautifully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
This hearty casserole comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. From smoky paprika to tender cannellini beans, each component adds layers of flavor to create a comforting, family-friendly meal.
- 2 teaspoons Neutral Oil (optional) - Use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil for browning the sausages.
- 1 pound Sausage Links - Choose high-quality sausages with a high meat content (97% if possible). You can use pork, chicken, or even plant-based sausages for a vegetarian version.
- 2 Tablespoons Flour (optional) - Helps thicken the sauce. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch or omit entirely.
- ½ Cup Wine (optional) - Adds depth of flavor. Use red or white wine, or substitute with additional stock.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 can (15 ounces) Petite Diced Tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) Cannellini Beans -Feel free to swap with butter beans, haricot beans, or chickpeas.
- 1 cup Carrots
- 1 large Onion
- 1 Bell Pepper - large dice
- 3 cup Baby Spinach - finely chopped - Adds a pop of color and nutrients. You can substitute with kale or omit if preferred.
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Sarah's recommendation
7 qt. Crock-Pot
Perfect for Chicken, Roasts and Meals for 8+ people.
How to make sausage casserole in the slow cooker
With just a few simple steps, this slow cooker sausage casserole practically makes itself. Brown the sausages for extra flavor, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do the work. The result? A rich, hearty dish that's perfect for busy days or cozy nights.
Slice the sausage
Cut the sausages on the bias into 1-2" pieces. This creates more surface area for browning, which adds extra flavor.
Brown the sausages
- Over medium high heat, add a teaspoon or two of neutral oil to a skillet and place the sausage in the pan, in a single layer.
- Allow the sausage to brown for 4-5 minutes before turning over to brown on the other side.
Can I skip browning the sausages?
While browning adds extra flavor, you can skip this step if you're short on time. Just add the sausages directly to the slow cooker.
Add the garlic and flour
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir to coat.
- Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Deglaze the pan
Pour in the wine (or stock) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor!
Fill the crockpot
- Transfer the sausage mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, carrots, bell pepper, onion, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and cannellini beans. Stir well to combine.
Stir
Stir everything to combine.
Cover and cook.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add Spinach
Stir in the finely chopped spinach during the last 20 minutes of cooking. It wilts perfectly and adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
Stir and Serve
Ladle the casserole into bowls and serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice. Enjoy!
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, crusty bread, or even a simple green salad.
Did you make this recipe?
Do you have feedback that would be helpful to others? If so can help this small business owner by leaving a rating and a review in the comments section? Thank you for being part of the Savoring The Good Community. ~ Sarah
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This is the best homemade seedless black raspberry jam recipe made with fresh or frozen black raspberries.
Reheating Instructions
Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
Microwave: Transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
Yes! Swap the sausages for plant-based alternatives.
Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Sausage Links
- 2 Teaspoons Vegetable Oil optional
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoon Flour optional
- ½ Cup red wine optional
- 1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can Tomato Sauce
- 1 Cup Carrots
- 1 Bell Pepper large Dice
- 1 large Onion
- 2 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 2 Teaspoons cumin
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- 1 15 oz can Cannellini Beans
- 3 Cup baby spinach finely chopped
Instructions
- Cut the sausages on the bias into 1-2" pieces. This creates more surface area for browning, which adds extra flavor.1 pound Sausage Links
- Heat a teaspoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces in a single layer and let them brown for 4-5 minutes per side. Don't overcrowd the pan-this ensures a good sear.2 Teaspoons Vegetable Oil
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.3 cloves Garlic, 2 Tablespoon Flour
- Pour in the wine (or stock) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor!½ Cup red wine
- Transfer the sausage mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, carrots, Onion, bell pepper, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and cannellini beans. Stir well to combine.1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes, 1 15 oz can Tomato Sauce, 1 Cup Carrots, 1 Bell Pepper, 2 Tablespoon Tomato Paste, 2 Teaspoons cumin, 2 Teaspoons Paprika, 1 15 oz can Cannellini Beans, 1 large Onion
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Stir in the finely chopped spinach during the last 20 minutes of cooking. It wilts perfectly and adds a fresh, vibrant touch.3 Cup baby spinach
- Ladle the casserole into bowls and serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
Microwave: Transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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