There’s something especially comforting about coming home to a bubbling sausage casserole when the evenings start getting darker. This low calorie sausage casserole slow cooker recipe is designed to be affordable, filling and easy to prepare, with plenty of vegetables and a rich tomato based sauce.
It’s the sort of dinner that can be put together earlier in the day, leaving the slow cooker to do the work while you get on with everything else. Perfect for busy mums or those of us working a full schedule. I’ve also kept the ingredients basic, because lets be honest budget-friendly cooking shouldn’t require a long shopping list or specialist products – who actually has time for that mid-week!
As always, before undertaking any kind of weight loss or lifestyle change, it is always best to speak to a medical professional or registered dietician who is best suited to give personalised advice on your individual health needs and health issues. This blog post has been researched to the best of my ability, and the information posted is accurate at the time of publication. Soph-obsessed is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or associated with Slimming World or any other weight loss plan. Slimming World and its programme terminology are trade marks of Miles-Bramwell Executive Services Limited. This is not an official Slimming World recipe. For up to date details regarding Slimming World please check with them direct.
Low calorie sausage casserole slow cooker recipe
This recipe is a Slimming World-friendly option rather than an official Slimming World recipe. You do not need to be following Slimming World or any weight loss plan to utilise this recipe. It has been created with the broad public principles of Food Optimising in mind: building the meal around vegetables, beans and a suitable sausage choice, while keeping added oil to a minimum. Sausages vary considerably, so do make sure you check the packet and the latest official guidance for your own plan to make sure you are on track.
If you’re looking for more information about choosing sausages, my Slimming World sausage guide is a useful place to start. It explains why the type of sausage you choose can make a difference to whether or not you are on plan.
Why this is a good budget dinner
The sauce uses everyday ingredients: tinned tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, beans and stock. Beans help make the casserole feel more substantial without relying on extra meat, while the vegetables add a sweetness and texture as they cook slowly.
You can use whichever reduced-fat sausages suit your budget and preferences. I wouldn’t rely on the phrase “slimming-friendly” on the front of a packet alone, as recipes and nutritional information vary between brands. Check the label and, if you follow Slimming World, check the current app or speak to your consultant for advice specific to your plan.
Do you need to brown the sausages first?
Browning the sausages in a non-stick frying pan before adding them to the slow cooker is worth doing if you have the time. It gives them a little more colour and flavour and can stop them falling apart in the sauce. You don’t need to add oil if your pan is suitable, although you should follow the instructions for your own cookware. If you do need a little oil a 1 calorie spray oil is ideal for this. Use some kitchen towel to soak off any additional fat before you transfer to your slow cooker.
If you’re in a rush, then you can add the sausages straight to the slow cooker – and I do this on occasion. The casserole will still cook nicely, but the sausages won’t develop the same browned outside. This has little impact on taste, so don’t stress if time is of the essence,
Helpful substitutions
- Use cannellini beans, butter beans or kidney beans instead of the beans but make sure they are drained and rinsed. Check the uptodate guidance on which beans are included in your plan if following SW.
- Swap the celery for an extra carrot or a little diced pepper if celery isn’t popular in your house or not available. I am a big believer in “use what you have.’
- Use dried mixed herbs if you don’t have fresh herbs available – in the slow cooker it really makes little difference and I use both interchangeably.
How to serve the casserole
This is lovely served in a bowl with a generous spoonful of the tomato and vegetable sauce. You could add steamed green vegetables or serve it with a modest portion of potatoes, rice or crusty bread, depending on your household’s preferences and the way you are following your plan.
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the sausages but not dry. All slow cookers work differently so check your manufacturer’s guidelines and adjust accordingly. If your slow cooker runs hot or the lid has been removed often, check it towards the end and add a splash of boiling water if needed.
Storage and reheating
Allow leftovers to cool fully, then store them covered in the fridge or freeze suitable portions. Follow current Food Standards Agency advice for cooling, storage and reheating. Reheat leftovers thoroughly until piping hot throughout, and don’t use the slow cooker as a substitute for properly reheating chilled food.
If you’re cooking for someone with an allergy then of course check the labels on the sausages, stock and any other packaged ingredients. Sausages can contain cereals, milk, soya or other allergens depending on the recipe.
Low Calorie Sausage Casserole Slow Cooker Recipe
Ingredients
Sausage casserole
- 8 reduced-fat pork sausages Choose a product suitable for your needs and check the label.
- 1 medium brown onion Diced.
- 2 medium carrots Sliced.
- 2 sticks celery Sliced.
- 2 cloves garlic Finely chopped.
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
- 400 g tin cannellini beans Drained and rinsed.
- 500 ml reduced-salt chicken stock
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Check the label for allergens and suitability.
- Freshly ground black pepper To taste.
Instructions
Method
- Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Brown the sausages on all sides, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Add the onion, carrots and celery to the same pan and cook for a few minutes until beginning to soften. Add the garlic and tomato purée and stir briefly.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans, stock, smoked paprika, mixed herbs, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir carefully to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the sausages and vegetables are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Check the seasoning, then serve hot with vegetables or a suitable accompaniment.
Notes
A comforting slow-cooker dinner for autumn
This low-calorie sausage casserole slow cooker recipe is a simple way to make a hearty dinner from familiar ingredients. It’s warm, saucy and practical without pretending that every sausage or serving will suit every person’s plan in exactly the same way.
Choose the sausages carefully, make the recipe work for your budget and let the slow cooker turn it into the kind of meal that feels far more effortful than it really was.
Thank you for stopping by! Check out my last post here.
Love as always!
More From Me
Want to find out more about me? Head over to this page. If you like reading posts like this, then you might want to follow me over on Bloglovin. Don’t forget you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube. As always, my words, views and opinions are honest and my own. Links marked with “*” are affiliate links. This does not cost you anything additional, but it may mean I earn a small percentage from any sales. For more information about any of these, please head over to this page.
