CREAMY CROCKPOT SAUSAGE CASSEROLE ULTIMATE

Are you ready to ditch the dinner stress and dive headfirst into a world of cheesy, savory comfort? Imagine coming home to the aroma of perfectly cooked sausage mingling with a creamy, dreamy sauce, all nestled together in a bubbly, golden-brown casserole. This Creamy Crockpot Sausage Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero – easy to prep, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, I promise!

What You’ll Need: The Creamy Crockpot Sausage Casserole Ingredients

Sausage Component

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, your preference), removed from casings

The Dreamy Sauce

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Carbohydrate Base

• 1 (16 ounce) package egg noodles, cooked according to package directions and drained

Cheesy Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Browning the Sausage

1. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!

Step 2: Crafting the Creamy Sauce

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Make sure that cream cheese is properly softened!

Step 3: Assembling the Casserole

1. In your crockpot, combine the cooked sausage, cooked egg noodles, and creamy sauce.
2. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Slow Cooking to Perfection

1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until heated through and bubbly.
2. Cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it!

Step 5: The Cheesy Finale

1. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
2. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips for Casserole Perfection

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to ensure your Creamy Crockpot Sausage Casserole is a total success:

• Sausage Selection Matters: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Spicy Italian sausage will add a kick, while sweet Italian sausage offers a milder flavor. You could even use ground turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Cream Cheese Woes: Seriously, make sure your cream cheese is *actually* softened. If it’s still cold, it won’t blend smoothly into the sauce, and you’ll end up with little lumps. Nobody wants that! Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
• Noodle Nirvana: Overcooked noodles will turn to mush in the crockpot, so be sure to cook them al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the sauce.
• Crockpot Cooking Times: All crockpots are different! Keep an eye on your casserole, especially if you’re cooking on high. You want it to be heated through and bubbly, but not dried out. If your crockpot tends to cook hot, consider adding a little extra milk to the sauce.
• Cheese Dreams: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the best results, shred your own cheese from a block.

Spice It Up! Fun Variations & Add-Ins

One of the best things about casseroles is how easily you can customize them to your liking. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Veggie Power: Add diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. Sauté them lightly before adding them to the crockpot.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Cheesy Goodness Overload: Experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone would all be delicious.
• Herb Heaven: Add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil for extra flavor.
• Tomato Twist: A can of diced tomatoes (drained) can add a welcome acidity to cut through the richness.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Creamy Crockpot Sausage Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few side dish suggestions:

• A crisp green salad: The freshness of the salad will balance the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed green beans: A simple and healthy side dish.
• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce!
• Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots would all be delicious.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepping for Success

Want to get a head start on dinner? You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time.

Storage & Reheating: Keeping the Creamy Goodness Going

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Beyond Casseroles: Other Recipes You Might Love

If you’re a fan of easy, comforting recipes, you might also enjoy these:

• For a complete comfort meal, try Creamy Meatloaf And Mashed Potatoes.
• Craving something savory and flavorful? Check out Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli.
• And for the ultimate cheesy indulgence, don’t miss Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese.
• Need an easy party food? Try Bbq Pulled Chicken Crockpot.
• On a cold night, nothing beats Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup or Beef Stew.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Casserole

There you have it – the ultimate Creamy Crockpot Sausage Casserole recipe! It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet satisfying enough for a special occasion. I hope you love it as much as my family does. Now go forth and create some cheesy, creamy magic!

Creamy Crockpot Sausage Casserole Ultimate

This Creamy Crockpot Sausage Casserole is an easy and delicious weeknight meal. It features Italian sausage, a creamy sauce, egg noodles, and a cheesy topping, all cooked in a crockpot for ultimate convenience and flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Spoon
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener

Method

 

1. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain off any excess grease.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. In your crockpot, combine the cooked sausage, cooked egg noodles, and creamy sauce.
5. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until heated through and bubbly.
7. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For best results, use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the sauce. Cook noodles al dente to prevent mushiness. Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot. Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.