The Ninja Foodi multi-cooker is the ideal appliance for whipping up a delicious one-pot sausage casserole. With pressure cooking and air frying capabilities, you can make a flavorful and tender sausage casserole in a fraction of the time of traditional cooking methods.

Read on for 10 tips and tricks to make the perfect sausage casserole recipe in your Ninja Foodi.

1. Choose the Right Sausages

The sausages are the star of the show in a sausage casserole, so choose wisely. Opt for quality pork, beef or turkey sausages with robust seasoning like Italian, chorizo or bratwurst. Stay away from pre-cooked breakfast sausages. Pick sausages that will hold their shape when cooked.

2. Brown the Sausages First

Browning the sausages first is key for maximum flavor. You can do this in the Ninja Foodi using the air fry or sear/sauté function before pressure cooking. Air frying at 400°F for 5-10 minutes is a quick way to brown them with crispy edges.

3. Use Bacon for Extra Flavor

Chopped bacon adds a smoky salty flavor that complements sausage beautifully in casseroles. Cook chopped bacon right in the pot until crisp before adding onions garlic and other aromatics. The rendered bacon fat is perfect for sautéing.

4. Cook Aromatics Like Onion and Garlic

Sautéing onion, garlic, herbs and spices in the pot before pressure cooking blooms their flavors and adds complexity to the dish. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent. Add flour if desired at this stage to help thicken the sauce.

5. Include Sturdy Vegetables

Hardy vegetables like carrots, celery and potatoes hold up well to pressure cooking and add nutrition, flavor and texture Dice vegetables small so they cook in time. Leave delicate veg like peas to add after pressure cooking

6. Use Canned Tomatoes for Richness

Crushed or diced canned tomatoes add hearty tomato flavor and richness to sausage casseroles. For extra depth, include tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for a minute after adding to develop flavors.

7. Don’t Forget the Stock

A good chicken, beef or vegetable stock is key for moistness and flavor. Use stock instead of water in your recipe. About 2 cups of stock for 4 servings is plenty. You can also use wine, beer or broth.

8. Add Herbs and Spices

A good pinch of salt, pepper and herbs like oregano, basil, thyme or a dash of red pepper flakes balances out a sausage casserole. Add them at the start so they infuse the whole dish.

9. Pressure Cook for Just 10-15 Minutes

Thanks to the Ninja Foodi’s pressurized environment, you only need 10-15 minutes cook time for sausage casseroles. Allow 10 minutes for pressure to build then release pressure naturally for 10 minutes after the cook time ends.

10. Finish with Frozen Peas

Frozen peas added after pressure cooking retain their color and pop of freshness. Stir them in during the natural pressure release time so they heat through. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

With the quick cooking time of the Ninja Foodi, you can pull together a hearty sausage casserole any night of the week. Follow these tips for maximum flavor and add your own creative spin with different sausages, veg, herbs and spices.

Ninja Foodi Sausage Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sausages (pork, beef or turkey)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1⁄4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1⁄2 cups frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Ninja Foodi and select Air Fry at 400°F. Add sausages in a single layer and air fry for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned. Remove to a plate.
2. Add chopped bacon to pot and cook until crisp. Remove bacon bits to paper towels.
3. To the pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, oregano and basil. Sauté 3-5 minutes until onions are translucent.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Place sausages and bacon bits on top of the vegetable mixture in the pot. Do not stir.
6. Seal the Ninja Foodi and select High Pressure for 15 minutes. Allow 10 minutes for pressure to build.
7. After 15 minutes, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Remove bay leaf. Stir in frozen peas until heated through.
9. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Sausage Casserole

• For added richness, use half pork and half beef sausages.
• Try different varieties like Italian, bratwurst, chorizo or apple chicken sausage.
• For extra veggies, add mushrooms, peppers, zucchini or greens.
• Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes, parsnips or turnips.
• For creaminess, finish with a splash of cream or milk.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or chives.
• Serve with crusty bread, rice, pasta, mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
• Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 4-5 days or frozen for 2-3 months.

With the Ninja Foodi, you can enjoy homemade comfort food like sausage casserole any night of the week. The quick one-pot meal is packed with protein, veggies and robust flavor. Follow these tips and make this recipe your new family favorite.