Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Recipes for Easy Dinners

Slow cooker smoked sausage recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you focus on other tasks.

The smoky richness of the sausage combined with complementary vegetables and seasonings creates a comforting dish perfect for any day of the week. Plus, slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy sausage and perfectly cooked sides.

This method is also incredibly versatile, accommodating a variety of ingredients and tastes.

If you love the ease of slow cooker meals but crave bold, smoky flavors, these recipes are exactly what you need. From classic sausage and peppers to Cajun-inspired gumbo, the options are endless.

Let’s dive into some mouthwatering slow cooker smoked sausage recipes that will quickly become your go-to favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow cooker smoked sausage recipes are beloved for many reasons. First, they are incredibly simple to prepare.

Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. No standing over the stove or complicated techniques required.

Second, the slow cooking process enhances the smoky flavor of the sausage, infusing it throughout the entire dish. The long, low heat also tenderizes the sausage and vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Finally, these recipes are flexible and forgiving. You can customize them with your favorite veggies, spices, and additional proteins if desired.

They make great leftovers and are perfect for meal prep, making your weeknights easier and more delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (kielbasa or Andouille work well)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker or crockpot (at least 4-6 quart capacity)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch rounds. Peel and slice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the bell peppers. If using baby potatoes, wash and halve them.
2. Layer the vegetables: Place the sliced onions, bell peppers, and baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows them to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the sausage and broth.
3. Add the sausage and seasonings: Scatter the smoked sausage pieces over the vegetables. Sprinkle the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper evenly on top.
4. Pour liquids: Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth to the slow cooker. The liquid helps to create a savory sauce and prevents the ingredients from drying out.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The sausage should be tender, and the vegetables cooked through but not mushy.
6. Stir and check: About halfway through cooking, gently stir the mixture to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Finish and garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

“Using smoked sausage with a robust flavor profile like Andouille or kielbasa really elevates this dish. Don’t be afraid to add a splash of hot sauce or a dash of Cajun seasoning for an extra kick!”

• Make it a one-pot meal: Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or green beans for more nutrition and variety.
• Swap protein: For a different twist, substitute smoked sausage with chorizo or turkey sausage.
• Rice or pasta base: Serve the sausage and vegetables over cooked rice, quinoa, or egg noodles to make the dish more filling.
• Spice it up: Add more crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.
• Slow cooker liners: Use these for easy cleanup after cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker smoked sausage dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

For a Southern-inspired twist, accompany it with coleslaw and cornbread. If you prefer lighter fare, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed kale complements the smoky richness beautifully.

Additional Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Recipes to Try

Ready to explore more delicious slow cooker smoked sausage meals? Here are three fantastic recipes to expand your repertoire:

Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage and Peppers

This classic combo is easy and satisfying. Combine smoked sausage with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a tomato-based sauce for a vibrant dish that’s perfect for sandwiches or served over rice.

Cajun Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Gumbo

Bring the flavors of Louisiana to your table with a slow cooker gumbo. Smoked Andouille sausage, chicken, okra, and spices simmer together for a rich, spicy stew that’s unbeatable on chilly nights.

Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage and Lentil Stew

A nutritious and hearty stew featuring smoked sausage, lentils, carrots, and celery in a savory broth. It’s a wonderful make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

For detailed recipes and step-by-step guides, be sure to check out our other blog posts:

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
• Easy Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
• Vegetarian Slow Cooker Chili

Conclusion

Slow cooker smoked sausage recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal with minimal fuss. The combination of smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and rich broth creates a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Whether you prefer a classic sausage and peppers dish or a spicy Cajun gumbo, the slow cooker makes it effortless to develop deep, delicious flavors.

With endless possibilities for customization and variations, these recipes can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Plus, they make excellent leftovers and are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Give these recipes a try and discover how simple, tasty, and convenient slow cooker meals can be!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage and Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring smoked sausage and mixed vegetables. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal with minimal prep.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT6H”, “totalTime”: “PT6H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb smoked sausage, sliced”, “4 medium red potatoes, quartered”, “3 large carrots, sliced”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 green bell pepper, chopped”, “1 cup chicken broth”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon dried thyme”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add potatoes, carrots, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the slow cooker.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place sliced smoked sausage on top of the vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme evenly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle olive oil over the mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir gently before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12 g”}}