Easy and cheap to make, this Sausage & Lentil Casserole cooked in the slow cooker makes the perfect winter warmer meal!
As much as I don't like the weather getting colder I have to admit I love slow cooker season.
Being able to chuck everything into the pot in the morning and have a warming meal ready later in the day just makes family life that bit easier.
This Sausage & Lentil Casserole is one of favourites. The kids love it, it's cheap to make and packed with healthy vegetables and lentils.
I used turkey sausages in this recipe to keep the fat content lower but pork or chicken sausages will work just fine too.
It's totally up to you if you want to brown the sausages beforehand or not. I like that it gives the sausages some colour and I also find that they are less likely to break apart when you fry them a little.
But if you don't have the time and want to just put them straight into the slow cooker then that's absolutely fine too.
All of the ingredients except the frozen peas get added to the slow cooker. Cook on high for about 3.5 hours or on low for about 5 hours.
You don't have to soak the lentils before adding them but do give them a quick rinse. I prefer to use green lentils as they hold their shape better but red lentils will work too.
Then add the frozen peas, mix well and cook a further 15 minutes.
To serve I like to add a little chopped fresh parsley but feel free to skip it you want want.
I always serve this dish with some crusty bread. It's perfect for mopping up the juices.
But if you want something a bit more substantial then mashed potatoes or rice will be delicious too.
I know this type of meal isn't always the best for fussy eaters who don't like their food mixed together.
To make it more palatable you can separate the sausages from the lentils and vegetables and also add a little grated cheese. Separated plates are brilliant for this!
For younger children and toddlers it's always recommended to cut sausages in half and then cut lengthways. When cut into rounds they can be a choking hazard.
If you liked this recipe you may also enjoy my Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Slow Cooker Sausage & Lentil Casserole
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooked
- Cuisine: Casserole
Description
Easy and cheap to make, this Sausage & Lentil Casserole cooked in the slow cooker makes the perfect winter warmer meal!
Ingredients
- 8 sausages
- ½ tbsp oil (only if pre-browning the sausages)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 1 celery stick, diced
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 100g green lentils, washed
- 250ml vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 150g frozen peas
To serve:
- fresh parsley
- crusty bread
Instructions
- If you are browning the sausages then add them to a frying pan with the oil and fry for 5 minutes until they are browned on all sides. But there is no need to fully cook them all the way through.
- Add the sausages to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients, except for the frozen peas.
- Stir well then cook on high for about 3.5 hours or on low for about 5 hours.
- Add the frozen peas, stir and cook for a further 15 minutes.
- To serve, add some chopped fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated on the hob or in the microwave. They can also be frozen. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the hob or in the microwave.
Brigitte says
Hi. What size can of tomatoes please?
Vicky says
400g tin will be perfect.
Kai says
The lentils came out very well but I thought adding anchovies and a spicy sausage like chorizo would have made the dish more interesting. The Lincolnshire sausages I used became bland and rubbery after being cooked so long. I also think fying the onion and garlic first would flavour the dish better. On the whole a good dish, easy to make and not requiring any salt.
Isme says
We are a family of vegetarians, so made this as a mid week meal and substituted the sausages for our favorite veggie ones, it was the perfect comforting meal served with a huge wedge of crusty bread.
Vicky says
Great substitution Isme,and totally agree you cant have this without crusty bread.