There’s nothing quite like a hearty, slow-cooked meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. This Slow Cooker Sausage & Butter Bean Casserole is the kind of dish that brings comfort in every bite—rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a no-fuss meal to make your day easier, this recipe has got your back.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Imagine plump, juicy sausages simmering in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, mingling with creamy butter beans and fragrant herbs. It’s a game-changer, trust me! Plus, with the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can sit back and let the magic happen.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Sausage & Butter Bean Casserole
Versatile
This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends. Serve it over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal, or enjoy it as a hearty stew with some crusty bread.
Budget-Friendly
You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. Simple, affordable ingredients come together to create something truly special.
Quick and Easy
Minimal prep, and your slow cooker takes care of the rest. Just throw everything in and let it do its thing!
Customizable
Want a spicy kick? Add some chili flakes. Prefer a smokier depth? A dash of smoked paprika works wonders.
Crowd-Pleasing
Even the pickiest eaters will love this one. It’s family-friendly and satisfying for all ages.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Sausage & Butter Bean Casserole
Here’s why this dish is so flavorful and comforting:
Sausages – The heart of the dish. Choose your favorite high-quality sausages for the best flavor.
Butter Beans – These add a creamy texture and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Onion & Garlic – The foundation of every great dish. They bring depth and aroma.
Tomatoes – A rich, tangy base that makes the sauce luscious.
Chicken or Vegetable Stock – Enhances the depth of flavor and keeps everything tender.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a hint of umami goodness.
Herbs & Spices – A mix of thyme, bay leaves, and paprika to bring everything together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage & Butter Bean Casserole
Brown the Sausages
Heat a pan over medium heat and brown the sausages until golden. This step adds an extra layer of flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, cook the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Add the sausages, butter beans, tomatoes, stock, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Give it a good stir.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until everything is beautifully tender.
Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and dig in!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage & Butter Bean Casserole
- With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Over Mashed Potatoes – A comforting, hearty pairing.
- With a Side Salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the warm casserole.
- On Its Own – It’s satisfying enough as a one-bowl meal.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead
Chop your onions and garlic the night before to make assembly even faster in the morning.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Later
This casserole freezes well! Portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Spice It Up
For a fiery kick, add some chili powder or smoked paprika.
Make It Veggie
Swap sausages for plant-based alternatives and use vegetable stock.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use canned butter beans?
A1: Yes! They’re perfect for this recipe and require no extra soaking.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Q3: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A3: Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock if needed.
Q4: Can I add vegetables?
A4: Yes! Carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms work beautifully.
Q5: Can I cook it on the stovetop instead?
A5: Yes! Simmer on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
Q6: How can I thicken the sauce?
A6: Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes before serving or mash some of the beans.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is big enough!
Q8: What’s the best sausage to use?
A8: Good-quality pork sausages or smoky kielbasa work great.
Q9: Can I make it spicy?
A9: Absolutely! Add chili flakes or spicy sausage for a kick.
Q10: What can I serve with it besides bread?
A10: Rice, couscous, or even pasta work well as a base.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Sausage & Butter Bean Casserole is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s easy, hearty, and packed with flavor just the kind of meal that makes you feel at home. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a winner. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Print
Slow Cooker Sausage & Butter Bean Casserole
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Slow Cooker Sausage & Butter Bean Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for cozy autumn dinners. Packed with flavorful pork sausages, smoky bacon lardons, and tender butter beans, this casserole is slow-cooked to perfection in a rich tomato and white wine broth. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying high-protein dinner recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ tbsp light oil
- 4 good-quality pork sausages
- 100g (3.5 oz) smoked bacon lardons
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stick, finely chopped
- 1 large garlic clove, grated or crushed
- ½ tbsp sweet smoked paprika
- 6–8 thyme sprigs
- 100ml (⅓ cup) white wine
- 100ml (⅓ cup) chicken stock (or ½ stock cube dissolved in hot water)
- 1 x 220g (7.5 oz) tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 x 400g (14 oz) tin butter beans, drained
- ½ tbsp golden caster sugar
- ½ tbsp sherry vinegar
- Freshly ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- Small handful of roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley, for serving
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
-
Brown the Sausages:
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausages and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until well browned.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and bacon lardons to the same pan with a generous pinch of salt.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the lardons start to brown.
-
Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the smoked paprika, grated garlic, and thyme sprigs.
- Cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half.
-
Assemble in Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker (or keep in the sear-and-stew slow cooker insert).
- Add the sausages back to the pot.
- Stir in the chicken stock, chopped tomatoes, butter beans, sugar, and sherry vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper.
-
Slow Cook:
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the flavors meld together.
-
Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove the thyme sprigs.
- Serve in warm bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread.
Notes
- Substitute pork sausages with chicken or turkey sausages for a lighter option.
- Omit the white wine and replace with extra stock for an alcohol-free version.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 85
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg