If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself while filling your kitchen with the most delicious aromas, the Slow Cooker Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines juicy, flavorful Cumberland sausages with tender onions, vibrant bell peppers, and rich tomatoes, simmering slowly to create a tender, saucy casserole bursting with smoky paprika and tangy Worcestershire sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those cozy evenings when you want to enjoy a fulfilling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a crucial role in layering flavors, textures, and colors. From the sweetness of carrots and peppers to the smoky depth of paprika and the hearty bite of sausages, these simple staples come together beautifully without fuss.
- Vegetable oil: Used to soften veggies and brown the sausages for extra flavor.
- 1 large onion: Thinly sliced to add sweetness and a tender bite after slow cooking.
- 1 large carrot: Small diced to contribute natural sweetness and color contrast.
- 2 fat cloves of garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 2 red bell peppers: Sliced to bring vibrant color and juiciness to the casserole.
- 8 good-quality thick Cumberland sausages: The star protein, delivering juicy, spiced richness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce.
- 1 x 400g can good-quality tomatoes: Adds body and a fresh, tangy base for the stew.
- 1½ teaspoons sweet smoked paprika: Imparts subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1 Knorr chicken stock pot diluted in 200ml hot water: Enhances depth and savory notes.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a unique umami kick and tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup: Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- A big pinch of black pepper: For mild heat—no salt needed because of the salty stock pot.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Gently Cook the Vegetables
Start by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, diced carrot, sliced red peppers, and minced garlic. Let these cook slowly for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally to soften them without browning—this slow sweetness brings out their natural flavors and ensures a smooth, rich base for the casserole.
Step 2: Add and Cook Tomato Puree
Push the softened vegetables to one side of the pan to make space. Stir in the tomato puree and let it cook for a minute to intensify its flavor. Then, transfer the whole mixture into your slow cooker or crockpot—this mix will become the luscious sauce enveloping the sausages.
Step 3: Brown the Sausages
Wipe the frying pan clean, add a small splash of oil, and brown the sausages over medium heat. You don’t need to cook them through—browning just seals in the flavors and adds texture. These sausages will finish cooking gently in the slow cooker, absorbing all the delicious sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Liquid Ingredients and Spices
In the slow cooker, add the sweet smoked paprika and the diluted chicken stock pot to the vegetables. Pour in the tinned tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, tomato ketchup, and a big pinch of black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine those bold, smoky, tangy flavors that make this dish stand out.
Step 5: Add Sausages to the Slow Cooker
Nestle the browned sausages under the saucy vegetable mix. Hiding them ensures they stay moist and soak up the wonderful spices and juices as they cook low and slow.
Step 6: Set and Forget Cooking Time
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours. This slow simmer infuses every bite with rich flavors and tender textures that make the casserole utterly comforting.
Step 7: Adjust and Thicken the Sauce
Before serving, taste your casserole and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in some instant thickening granules like McDougalls, or mix a little cornflour with sauce from the slow cooker and stir it back in to gently thicken—simple tricks that make the sauce perfectly luscious.
Step 8: Serve with Mash
For the perfect finishing touch, serve the Slow Cooker Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe alongside creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up that rich sauce like a dream!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens up the casserole just before serving, adding a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that complement the smoky, rich stew beautifully.
Side Dishes
Besides the classic creamy mashed potatoes, try serving this casserole with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinegar and olive oil to cut through the richness and keep the meal well-balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole over buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta. You can also scoop it into baked potatoes or even top toasted focaccia slices for a casual, rustic meal that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavors intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until piping hot, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cumberland sausages provide a classic flavor, you can use any thick, flavorful sausages you prefer, whether spicy Italian or herbed breakfast sausages. Just be mindful of seasoning adjustments since sausage types vary in saltiness and spice.
Is it necessary to brown the sausages beforehand?
Browning adds extra flavor and texture to the sausages, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step. The sausages will still cook through in the slow cooker, but browning definitely enhances the final taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare all the vegetables and ingredients the day before, store them in the fridge, and then assemble and cook in the slow cooker when you’re ready. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option.
What can I use to thicken the sauce if I don’t have instant thickening granules?
Cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with a little cold water works perfectly. Just stir it into the sauce during the last half hour of cooking or after cooking, then stir gently until you reach the desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?
Definitely! This casserole freezes well and retains its flavor and texture after reheating. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
The Slow Cooker Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe is a delicious, no-fuss way to enjoy a meal that feels homemade and hearty without tons of hands-on time. With its rich, comforting flavors and easy prep, it quickly becomes a favorite weeknight go-to or a cozy weekend treat. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your slow cooker rotation forever!
Print
Slow Cooker Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring thick Cumberland sausages simmered with sweet red bell peppers, onions, carrots, and a rich tomato-based sauce enhanced with smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a hands-off cooking day, it delivers deep flavors and tender sausages with minimal effort, ideal for serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large onion – peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot – peeled and cut into small dice
- 2 red bell peppers – stalks and seeds removed and sliced
- 2 fat cloves of garlic – peeled and minced or finely chopped
Meat
- 8 good-quality thick Cumberland sausages
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon of tomato puree (tomato paste in the US)
- 1 x 400g can (14oz) good-quality tomatoes (e.g., Cirio brand)
- 1 x Knorr chicken stock pot diluted in 200ml hot water
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
Seasonings and Oils
- Vegetable oil (for frying, approx. 2 tablespoons)
- 1½ teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
- A big pinch of black pepper (no additional salt needed due to stock pot)
Instructions
- Cook the vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over low heat. Add the sliced onions, diced carrots, sliced red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally and cook gently for about 10 minutes until the onions become soft but do not brown.
- Add tomato puree and transfer: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan. Stir the tomato puree into the empty space and cook for a minute to bring out its flavor. Then transfer all the vegetables and tomato puree into the slow cooker.
- Brown the sausages: Wipe the frying pan clean with kitchen paper. Add a small splash of vegetable oil and brown the Cumberland sausages on all sides over medium heat. They do not need to be fully cooked here as they will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
- Add seasonings and liquids to slow cooker: Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour in the diluted Knorr chicken stock (prepared by dissolving the stock pot in 200ml hot water), canned tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, tomato ketchup, and add a big pinch of black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Add sausages to slow cooker: Nestle the browned sausages underneath the vegetable and sauce mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours until the sausages are fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Adjust seasoning and thicken sauce: Before serving, taste the casserole and adjust seasoning as desired. If the sauce needs thickening, mix a small amount of the sauce with instant thickening granules (such as McDougalls) or cornflour, then stir it back into the slow cooker until thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and pepper casserole hot, ideally accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- The stock pot is already salty, so avoid adding extra salt to prevent over-seasoning.
- If thickening the sauce, cornstarch or instant thickening granules can be used depending on availability.
- For best results, use thick-quality Cumberland sausages for robust flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- You can prepare the vegetables a day in advance and refrigerate to save time on cooking day.
