Crockpot Sausage Casserole

The smell of sausage sizzling in the crockpot – it’s a smell that just screams “Texas comfort food” to me. Y’all know how it is – the kids are running circles, homework’s piling up, and the clock’s ticking faster than a hummingbird’s wings. That’s when I turn to my trusty Crockpot Sausage Casserole. It’s hearty, satisfying, and, most importantly, it’s a breeze to throw together. I’ve made this casserole more times than I can count in my own kitchen, and it’s always a hit with the whole family, even my pickiest eater! This recipe gives you that down-home, stick-to-your-ribs goodness without keeping you chained to the stove. Get ready for a weeknight win!

Why This Recipe Works

This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• It’s incredibly easy: Just dump the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do its thing.
• Kid-approved: My kids devour this, and I bet yours will too. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in the morning or even the night before for an even quicker dinner.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (I like using a spicy variety for a kick!)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups cubed bread (stale is best)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a minute. Choosing the right ones can really elevate this casserole.

• Breakfast Sausage: I’m a big fan of using a hot or spicy breakfast sausage to add some depth of flavor. But mild sausage works perfectly well, especially if you’re cooking for little ones who aren’t big on spice.
• Bread: Stale bread is your best friend here. It soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without getting mushy. If your bread isn’t stale, you can lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out a bit.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of pepper jack would be delicious!
• Vegetables: I’ve used other vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini in my casserole, it turns out great.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up this Crockpot Sausage Casserole:

Step 1: Brown the sausage. Crumble the sausage in a skillet over medium heat and cook until browned, draining off any excess grease. This is important for flavor and texture. Nobody wants greasy casserole!

Step 2: Sauté the veggies. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This adds a nice sweetness and depth to the casserole.

Step 3: Whisk the eggs. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will bind everything together.

Step 4: Combine ingredients. Add the cooked sausage and vegetables to the bowl with the egg mixture. Then, add the cubed bread and shredded cheese. Gently stir everything together until the bread is evenly coated. It will look like a lot of bread, but it will absorb the liquid as it cooks.

Step 5: Transfer to crockpot. Pour the mixture into a greased crockpot. I usually use a 6-quart crockpot, but a smaller one will work too; you may need to adjust the cooking time. After testing this several times, I learned that spraying the crockpot with cooking spray is essential to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cook. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the casserole is set and the bread is no longer soggy. Cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it. I like to check it halfway through and give it a gentle stir if needed.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this Crockpot Sausage Casserole even better:

• Don’t skip browning the sausage: It adds so much flavor! Trust me on this one.
• Use stale bread: Fresh bread will get too soggy. If your bread isn’t stale, you can toast it lightly in the oven.
• Grease your crockpot well: This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Adjust cooking time as needed: Crockpots can vary, so keep an eye on the casserole and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add a little heat: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
• Kid-friendly tip: If your kids are picky eaters, you can sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
• Cheese on top: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle extra cheese on top for a gooey, melty finish.

Storage & Meal Prep

This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is perfect for meal prep and storing leftovers.

Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Make-ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just pop it into the crockpot in the morning. I often do this on busy school days, which is a huge time saver.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk, and dairy-free cheese. I haven’t personally tested this variation, but I think it would work well.
• Vegetarian: Use a plant-based sausage substitute.
• Seasonal Twist: Add chopped butternut squash or cranberries for a fall-inspired casserole.
• Mexican-inspired: Use chorizo sausage, pepper jack cheese, and add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just pop it into the crockpot in the morning.

How do I know when it’s done?

The casserole is done when it’s set and the bread is no longer soggy. The center should be firm to the touch. Cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Italian sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage would all be delicious.

What if I don’t have stale bread?

No problem! You can lightly toast fresh bread in the oven to dry it out a bit. Just spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted.

Is this kid-friendly?

Definitely! My kids love this casserole. If your kids are picky eaters, you can use a mild sausage and sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or carrots.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Let it cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onion and sausage before adding them to the egg mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for added flavor.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley.

For families, I like to cut the casserole into squares and serve it with a side of berries. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

This Crockpot Sausage Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that brings families together, creates memories, and makes even the busiest weeknights feel a little more manageable. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you and your family! And if you’re looking for more easy family recipes, be sure to check out FamiliesRecipes.com and sign up for my newsletter. Happy cooking, y’all!

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