Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making sausage in your crockpot yet, you’re seriously missing out! I love how easy it is to throw everything in and let it work its magic while I go about my day. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the smell wafting through the house is simply irresistible. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! This sausage crockpot recipe is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Let’s dive into the ingredients so you can get started on this deliciousness!
Ingredients for Sausage Crockpot Recipes
- 1 pound of sausage (your choice of mild, spicy, or Italian)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any colors you love—red, green, or yellow work great!)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces, no need to drain)
- 1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a twist)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients are simple, but they pack a flavor punch! Feel free to play around with the veggies, too—zucchini or mushrooms can be great additions. Just remember, the more colorful your veggies, the more beautiful your dish will be! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Now, let’s get into the fun part—preparing this amazing dish! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how everything comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a hearty meal in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
First things first, we need to brown the sausage. This step is crucial because it adds a rich, deep flavor that takes your dish to the next level. Just heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. You want that beautiful caramelization to happen! Once it’s done, transfer it to the crockpot. Don’t worry about cooking it through completely; it’ll finish cooking in the crockpot.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now that your sausage is all ready, it’s time to combine everything in the crockpot. Start by adding the browned sausage, and then layer in your chopped onion and sliced bell peppers. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!) and the chicken broth. This will help everything cook down and infuse those tasty flavors. Give it a little stir to mix it all together, and you’re almost there!
Step 3: Seasoning
Let’s spice things up! Sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with about a teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of pepper, but you can adjust it based on your preference. Just remember, you can always add more, but it’s tough to take it out once it’s in there!
Step 4: Cooking Time and Settings
Finally, it’s cooking time! Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you’re home, you’ll start to smell those amazing aromas wafting through your kitchen after just a couple of hours! I love coming back to a warm, delicious meal after a busy day. Once it’s done, the sausage will be tender, and the flavors will be perfectly melded. So comforting!
Tips for Success with Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Alright, let’s make sure you absolutely nail this dish! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to take your sausage crockpot recipe from good to downright spectacular:
- Serve it Right: I love pairing this sausage dish with fluffy rice or a crusty piece of bread. It’s perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices! You could also serve it over pasta or even on a bed of mashed potatoes for a hearty twist.
- Customize Your Veggies: Don’t be afraid to throw in some extra veggies! Spinach, carrots, or even corn can be fantastic additions. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients. The more colorful, the better!
- Adjust the Seasoning: Everyone has different taste buds, so feel free to tweak the seasonings to your liking! If you love a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Or if you’re a garlic lover, go ahead and double the garlic powder!
- Don’t Skip the Browning: I know it’s an extra step, but trust me—the flavor you get from browning the sausage is worth it! It makes a world of difference in the final taste of your dish.
- Leftover Magic: If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so tasty!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating the next day makes for a quick and satisfying lunch!
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making this sausage crockpot recipe in no time! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information for Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Let’s talk about the nutrition of this delicious dish! Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
This dish is not only hearty but also packs a good amount of protein, making it a satisfying meal option! Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake. Happy cooking and eating!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any type of sausage you like—mild, spicy, or even Italian sausage for a flavor boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just remember that each type will bring its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!
What can I serve with sausage crockpot recipes?
There are so many delicious options to serve alongside this flavorful sausage dish! I love pairing it with fluffy rice or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all those tasty juices. It also goes wonderfully over pasta, or you could even serve it on a bed of mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a perfect complement. The possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do because it’s so good!), just let them cool down a bit, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish tastes just as amazing the next day, making it a great option for meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sausage crockpot recipe is a total game changer for your weeknight dinners! Here’s why I think you’re going to absolutely adore it:
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sausage, veggies, and spices creates a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for making ahead of time. You can enjoy it throughout the week, making lunch or dinner planning a breeze!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables or sausage types. It’s super versatile, so you can make it your own!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty meal that’s cooked low and slow. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
With all these fantastic benefits, I’m sure you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again. Happy cooking!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you! If you try this sausage crockpot recipe, please come back and let me know how it turned out for you. Did you make any fun tweaks or add your favorite veggies? Your feedback makes my day and helps others in our cooking community! Don’t forget to rate the recipe too—your thoughts matter! And if you have any questions while making it, just drop a comment. I’m here to help! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what deliciousness you create!
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Sausage Crockpot Recipes: 5 Comforting Dishes to Savor
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful sausage dish made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
- Transfer the sausage to the crockpot.
- Add onion, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with rice or bread.
- You can add other vegetables as desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sausage crockpot recipes
