Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of perfectly seasoned Italian sausage and tender vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection. This Sausage Casserole is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook, or someone who loves no-fuss, delicious meals, this slow cooker recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups zucchini, sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Slice zucchini into half-moon shapes, dice bell peppers and onions into uniform pieces.
- Brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat using a colander.
- Transfer browned sausage to slow cooker, maintaining its 6-quart capacity for optimal cooking space.
- Add diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, onions, and sliced zucchini into the slow cooker with the sausage.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the ingredients, then add salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to combine all components.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
- After cooking time is complete, check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Stir gently to redistribute ingredients.
- Serve hot directly from slow cooker, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. For a leaner option, opt for turkey or chicken Italian sausage.
- Vegetable Prep: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This helps maintain consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Browning Matters: Always brown the sausage before adding to the slow cooker. This extra step develops deeper, richer flavors.
- Liquid Balance: The diced tomatoes will provide moisture, but if the mixture seems dry during cooking, you can add a splash of chicken broth.
- Seasoning Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a clove of minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the Italian seasoning.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or over pasta to make the meal even more satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator, then simply dump and cook in the morning.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
