This 2.5 Quart Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe is one of those easy slow cooker meals that makes dinner feel simple and special at the same time.

I love how this sausage casserole cooks low and slow, filling the kitchen with a rich tomato and herb smell.

It uses pork sausages, root vegetables, and a little tomato soup to create a thick, tasty gravy.

When I first made this crockpot sausage casserole, I was surprised how much flavor came from such basic pantry items. The slow cooker does most of the work, which means less stress for you.

It’s a hearty comfort food meal that feels perfect after a long day.

Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or with warm bread on the side. You can spoon that rich gravy right on top and enjoy every bite.

Why Should I Use 2.5 Quart Crockpot for This Sausage Casserole

I like using a 2.5 quart crockpot for this sausage casserole because it’s the perfect size for a small batch meal. If you’re cooking for four or five people, this size holds everything nicely without overcrowding.

You don’t need a huge slow cooker taking up space on your counter. It heats evenly and helps the gravy thicken just right.

If you’re busy during the day, you can set it and let it cook while you handle work or errands. You come home to a warm, ready meal without extra stress. It’s simple, practical, and just the right fit.

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What I Loved: I am absolutely obsessed with the casserole shape! It’s brilliant for making layered dips or a small lasagna. The fact that I can prep my meal in the stoneware, pop it directly in the oven to bake, and then place it right onto the heating base to keep warm at parties has been a total game-changer for my hosting duties.

Cons: The lid just sits on top and doesn’t latch down like on some larger transport-friendly models, so you have to be a bit careful when carrying it in the car to a potluck.

Best For: Holiday side dishes, intimate family meals, and anyone who loves bringing hot dips and baked pastas to neighborhood gatherings.

Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe Ingredients

Pork Sausages (8 pieces)
I always use good-quality pork sausages because they are the main flavor of this casserole. Look for thick, fresh sausages with simple seasoning. Brands like Johnsonville work well. Browning them first adds deeper taste and better texture.

Sausage Casserole Mix (1 packet, 35g)
This mix helps thicken the gravy and adds tomato and onion flavor. I like using Colman’s sausage casserole mix for strong flavor. If you don’t have it, gravy granules like McCormick are a good backup option.

Dried Sage (1 teaspoon)
Sage pairs perfectly with pork. It brings a warm, slightly earthy taste that makes the dish feel hearty. I always recommend using dried sage from brands like McCormick because the flavor is steady and reliable.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon)
Thyme adds light herbal flavor that blends well with tomato and onion. It gives balance to the rich sausage. I prefer simple pantry thyme, and McCormick or store-brand dried thyme both work great here.

Onion (1 medium, finely sliced)
Onion builds the base flavor of the casserole. As it cooks, it turns soft and slightly sweet. I like yellow onions because they hold up well and melt nicely into the thick gravy.

Carrots (2 medium, sliced)
Carrots add natural sweetness and bright color. They also give texture and make the meal more filling. I slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate and become tender but not mushy.

Swede/Rutabaga (½ small, chunky pieces)
Rutabaga adds mild sweetness and soaks up the gravy beautifully. It becomes soft and buttery in the crockpot. If you live in the U.S., look for rutabaga labeled in the produce section.

Parsnips (2, chopped small)
Parsnips give a soft, sweet, almost nutty taste. I like adding them because they make the casserole taste more comforting and full. Cut them small so they cook evenly with the carrots.

Cream of Tomato Soup (½ can, about 200g)
This is my favorite secret ingredient. It makes the gravy thicker and richer. I usually use Campbell’s cream of tomato soup because it has smooth texture and steady flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Salt and pepper bring all the flavors together. I always taste near the end before adding extra salt since the sausage mix already contains seasoning.

Optional for Serving – Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Steamed Green Beans
Mashed potatoes with butter and cream are perfect for soaking up the thick gravy. I also like adding steamed green beans for freshness and color on the plate.

Kitchen Appliance Needed

• 2.5-litre slow cooker (crockpot) – The perfect size for this recipe.
• Frying pan – For browning the sausages.
• Kitchen scissors or knife – To cut sausages into pieces.
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon – For stirring halfway through cooking.

How To Make Crockpot Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the sausages. Brown on all sides until nicely colored. Full cooking is not required at this stage, as the sausages will finish cooking in the slow cooker over several hours. Browning adds flavor and improves the overall appearance of the finished dish.

Once browned, cut the sausages into bite-sized pieces using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. The sausages may be left whole if preferred.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base

Set a 2.5-litre slow cooker to High.

Sprinkle the sausage casserole mix (or gravy granules) into the base of the slow cooker. Add the dried sage and thyme. Stir lightly to combine the dry ingredients.

Add the finely sliced onion, sliced carrots, chopped swede, and parsnips. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables evenly in the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Add the Sausages and Tomato Soup

Place the browned sausages on top of the vegetable mixture.

Spoon in half a can of cream of tomato soup, distributing it over the sausages and vegetables. The tomato soup enhances the richness and creates a fuller, more flavorful gravy.

Season lightly with salt and black pepper according to taste.

At this stage, the mixture may appear to have very little liquid. This is normal, as the vegetables will release moisture during cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover with the lid and cook on High for 4½ to 5 hours.

About halfway through the cooking time, remove the lid and stir thoroughly, bringing ingredients from the bottom to the top to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich gravy.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, the sausages should be tender and fully cooked through, and the vegetables soft but holding their shape. The sauce will be thick, savory, and deeply flavored with tomato, onion, and herbs.

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes made with butter and cream, finished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Steamed green beans make an excellent fresh side to balance the richness of the casserole.

Variations

I love how easy it is to adjust this casserole based on what you have in your kitchen. You can keep the base the same and switch a few ingredients to fit your taste or diet.

• Add Potatoes – Swap the rutabaga or parsnips for cubed Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They make the dish even more filling and soak up the gravy well.
• Use Different Sausages – Try chicken, turkey, or even spicy Italian sausage for a new flavor twist.
• Extra Veggies – Mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers add more color and texture without changing the cooking time much.

Expert Tips & Notes for Beginners

• Brown sausages first for deeper flavor.
• Slice vegetables evenly so they cook at the same time.
• Do not add extra water at the start.
• Stir once halfway through cooking.
• If the gravy is too thick, add a small splash of hot water.
• Taste before adding extra salt.
• If you prefer potatoes inside, swap out the swede or parsnips.

Other Cooking Methods You Can Try

If you don’t have a slow cooker, here are other easy ways to cook this dish.

Oven Method

Brown sausages first. Add all ingredients to a covered casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for about 1½ to 2 hours until vegetables are tender.

Stovetop Method

After browning sausages, add everything to a large pot. Cover and cook on low heat for about 45–60 minutes. Stir often and add a little water if needed.

Instant Pot Method

Use sauté mode to brown sausages. Add ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.

Serving Ideas With This Crockpot Sausage Casserole

When I serve this 2.5 Quart Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe, I always think about balance. The gravy is rich and full of flavor, so the sides should help soak it up or add something fresh to the plate.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – This is my top choice. The soft potatoes catch every bit of the thick tomato gravy, making each bite smooth and comforting.
• Steamed Green Beans – Green beans add color and a fresh taste that keeps the meal from feeling too heavy. A small pinch of salt and butter is enough.
• Buttered Rice – If you want something simple, white or brown rice works well and absorbs the sauce nicely.
• Crusty Bread – Warm bread is perfect for dipping into that rich gravy at the bottom of the bowl.
• Simple Side Salad – A light salad with crisp lettuce and a mild dressing helps balance the warm, hearty casserole.

How to Store Leftover & Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cool fully before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring often.
• Reheat in Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each round.

Let the casserole cool before placing it in the fridge. When reheating, add a small splash of water if the gravy has thickened too much.

Frozen portions should thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The flavor often tastes even better the next day.

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Yield: 4–5 servings

2.5 Quart Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe

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This 2.5 Quart Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe is a simple, hearty slow cooker dinner made with pork sausages, root vegetables, and rich tomato gravy. It cooks low and slow for deep flavor with very little effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy crockpot meal serves 4–5 people and takes just 15 minutes to prep. The result is tender sausage, soft vegetables, and thick, savory sauce. If you want a comforting home-style meal without standing over the stove, this recipe is a great choice.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time on HIGH 5 hours

Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 good-quality pork sausages
• 1 packet (35g) sausage casserole mix (or 2–3 tablespoons gravy granules or gravy powder)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 medium onion, very finely sliced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and roughly sliced
• ½ small swede (rutabaga), peeled and cut into chunky pieces
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into small chunks
• ½ can (about 200g) cream of tomato soup
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional for serving:

• Creamy mashed potatoes (made with butter, cream, and chopped parsley)
• Steamed green beans

Instructions

1. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the sausages. Brown on all sides until nicely colored. Full cooking is not required at this stage, as the sausages will finish cooking in the slow cooker over several hours. Browning adds flavor and improves the overall appearance of the finished dish.
2. Once browned, cut the sausages into bite-sized pieces using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. The sausages may be left whole if preferred.
3. Set a 2.5-litre slow cooker to HIGH.
4. Sprinkle the sausage casserole mix (or gravy granules) into the base of the slow cooker. Add the dried sage and thyme. Stir lightly to combine the dry ingredients.
5. Add the finely sliced onion, sliced carrots, chopped swede, and parsnips. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables evenly in the seasoning mixture.
6. Place the browned sausages on top of the vegetable mixture.
7. Spoon in half a can of cream of tomato soup, distributing it over the sausages and vegetables. The tomato soup enhances the richness and creates a fuller, more flavorful gravy.
8. Season lightly with salt and black pepper according to taste.
9. At this stage, the mixture may appear to have very little liquid. This is normal, as the vegetables will release moisture during cooking.
10. Cover with the lid and cook on High for 4½ to 5 hours.
11. About halfway through the cooking time, remove the lid and stir thoroughly, bringing ingredients from the bottom to the top to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich gravy.
12. Once cooked, the sausages should be tender and fully cooked through, and the vegetables soft but holding their shape. The sauce will be thick, savory, and deeply flavored with tomato, onion, and herbs.
13. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes made with butter and cream, finished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Steamed green beans make an excellent fresh side to balance the richness of the casserole.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

About 1½ cups per serving
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 420

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This 2.5 Quart Crockpot Sausage Casserole Recipe is one of those meals that feels simple but tastes rich and comforting. I love how the sausages turn tender and how the tomato gravy thickens as it cooks. The slow cooker makes it easy, and the ingredients are easy to find in most American kitchens.

If you try this recipe, I hope it becomes a favorite in your home like it did in mine. Give it a go this week and see how simple a hearty meal can be.