Crockpot Sausage Recipes

What better ingredient to star in these slow-cooked pairings than sausage links or using it ground!? With its rich flavors and versatile nature, pork of all kinds can really elevate your family friendly meals to new heights. In this article, we’ll delve into the art of using sausage in crockpot recipes, exploring techniques, tips, and a handful of delectable recipes that will have you yearning for more.

The market offers a plethora of options from sweet Italian, to chorizo, bratwurst, ground, breakfast and kielbasa. Each with its unique flavor profile.

Opt for one that complement the overall theme of your dish. For instance, Italian sausage works wonders in tomato-based sauces, while smoky and spicy sausages like chorizo can add depth to bean-based stews. The outsides can be air fried or seared first to give them a snap too.

To unlock the full potential of sausage flavors in your crockpot creation, consider searing them before slow cooking. Searing not only adds a delightful caramelized exterior but also intensifies the overall taste. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a touch of oil, and brown the sausages on all sides.

This step not only enhances the visual appeal of your dish but also sets the stage for a multitude of flavors to unfold as the meat mingles with the other ingredients over time.

with Smoked Sausage

Crockpot recipes are all about layering flavors. As you assemble your ingredients in the pot, keep in mind what mixture you wish to achieve. Being a strong flavor component, this meat can influence the entire dish. If you’re aiming for a sausage-forward dish, consider using milder vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, which can absorb the flavors nicely.

This type of cooking relies on slow and steady simmering to break down tough cuts of meat and meld flavors. To ensure your sausage retains its moisture and tenderness, incorporate ample liquids or broths into your recipe. This step prevents your sausage from drying out during the lengthy cooking process. For something like our Haluski recipe I like beef broth vs. water.

with Noodles

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more balanced flavor profile, use ground with yellow onions, garlic, and add noodles into a casserole! Yes, you can make a one pot meal in this thing, just cover and cook an additional 30 minutes at the end with small shell pasta noodles to make  Lazy Crockpot Lasagna or Goulash in the Crock-pot.

with Cabbage

Whether you’re opting for a tomato-based sauce, a wine-infused broth, or a rich stock like our Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage, make sure there’s enough liquid to submerge at least half of the meat. As they simmer gently, the sausage will soak up the liquid, resulting in a juicy, flavorful bite that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

Don’t hesitate to elevate the complexity of your dish without a few other chosen blend of spices and herbs. Fragrant herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can complement the rich flavors of the links, while spices such as paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes can add depth and heat. In the case of bratwurst in slow cooker you may just opt for beer, that is it.

with Ground Sausage

Remember that spices can intensify over long cooking times, so use them sparingly at the beginning of the cooking process and adjust to taste towards the end. This goes for links and Jimmy dean ground versions. If I want some heat I will brown 1/2 lb. of spicy and 1/2 lb. of regular to make our Crockpot Hamburger Helper for a hearty meal. Turkey sausage works for lower fat but less flavor too. 🙁

Crockpots are known for their low and slow cooking style, which allows flavors to meld and ingredients to tenderize gradually. It’s essential to pay attention to cooking times and temperatures though as it can overcook and dry out if there isn’t enough liquid or sauce. In the case of Slow Cooker Velveeta Sausage Dip you won’t have that issue, but should be left on warm vs. low once melted so it doesn’t overcook.

Most crockpot recipes that include this meat recommend cooking on the low setting. Especially if making a venison sausage recipe you do not want to overcook it which can happen quickly.. Depending on the recipe and the type used, cooking times can vary from 4 to 8 hours. Keep in mind that links contain a mix of meat and fat, and overcooking can result in a dry and less flavorful outcome. To avoid this, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork based and 165°F (74°C) for poultry based links.

Pairing pork and crockpot cooking is a match made in culinary heaven. The slow-cooking process allows the meat to infuse its rich flavors into the entire dish, resulting in comfort food that’s both hearty and delectable.

Recipes

Our 5 ingredient Crockpot chili is great. Brown ground sausage on the stovetop and layer this with sauteed onions in the pot with canned kidney beans, and seasonings of your choice or a chili seasoning packet. Pour in a mixture of beef broth and diced tomatoes, ensuring everything is nicely submerged.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours until everything is tender and the flavors have melded into a comforting stew. 30 minutes before serving you could add 1.5 cups of macaroni noodles, submerge and cover until tender to make crockpot chili mac.

You could add it diced to our Cheesy Potato Casserole too. Sear your preferred sausage variety in bite-sized pieces and bake together for a wonderful side dish.

Spicy Crock pot Sausage and vegetables. Sear spicy sausages and slice them into rounds. Layer the sausage rounds in the crockpot with sautéed bell peppers, onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes. Season with a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Then pour in a mixture of red wine and beef broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the flavors have melded into a fiery and satisfying ragout.

FAQ