No worries! The estimated calorie count includes everything listed in the ingredients list on the recipe card, including the cheese and a whole wheat hot dog bun. ~ Marion :)

Here’s more info on how those numbers are calculated (using a widget called Spoontacular API): https://www.budgetbytes.com/nutrition-information-disclaimer/

HI Amy. My local HEB makes their own Italian sausage that comes in mild, sweet, and spicy. I just buy them on sale and pop them in my Food Saver to freeze for later. When I’m ready to use I simply thaw and remove the casings. The choice is really whatever you like. We like mild the best.

I haven’t done this particular recipe yet, but, from my experience, you could do this recipe with impossible burger or sausage, but not using the slow cooker. Even the best veggie meats I’ve found don’t hold up well to long cooking and lose their texture if left in too long especially if not pre-cooked. If it were me, I’d cook the impossible burger separately and then add at the end. You might have better luck with some of the veggie meats that are prepackaged as meatballs, though!