Slow-Cooked Perfection: Mastering Hot Sausage In A Crock Pot

Cooking hot sausage in a crock pot is a great way to make a tasty, juicy, and tender meal without heating up your kitchen. Crock pots are perfect for sausage dishes because the low, slow cooking method makes the sausages fall-apart tender and thickens the sauce. You can cook hot sausage in a crock pot on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, depending on your crock pot model.

How to cook hot sausage in a crock pot with peppers and onions

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of hot Italian sausage
• 2-3 medium bell peppers
• 1-2 medium yellow onions
• 1 (25-28) oz jar of marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional: Hoagie or sausage rolls, cooked pasta, garlic bread, shredded Italian cheese blend, cooked spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice

Instructions:

• Slice the sausages in half or into thirds if they are long.
• Brown the sausages in batches for 1-2 minutes on all sides or until golden brown. You can skip this step if you want to save time, but it does add flavor to the dish.
• Transfer the sausages to a 6-quart crock pot.
• In the same pan, add sliced onions and season with salt and pepper. Saute until they start to soften and turn golden brown. Then, add them to the crock pot.
• In the same pan, add sliced bell peppers and season with salt and pepper. Saute until they are crisp-tender. You can also add some minced garlic and saute for another minute before adding the mixture to the crock pot.
• Add your choice of marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes to the crock pot, along with any additional seasonings like red chili pepper flakes, fennel seeds, or dried oregano and basil.
• Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the sausages are very tender. You can also cook on high for 2-3 hours if you're in a hurry.
• Serve on its own, with pasta, or inside rolls with some provolone or Italian cheese on top.

Tips:

• You can add extra Italian sausage, sauce, and veggies to increase the serving size.
• If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add some chicken broth to the crock pot.
• If you want to reduce the greasiness of the dish, use leaner sausage, drain excess grease after browning the sausage, cook the peppers separately, or add a splash of water or broth to the pan while cooking the sausage.
• To check if the sausage is cooked, use a meat thermometer (the internal temperature should be 165°F), taste a small piece, or cut into the sausage to check if it's no longer pink and the juices run clear.
• You can make this dish ahead of time by preparing the ingredients and storing them in the crock pot insert in the fridge overnight. Then, cook as directed the next day.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to serve hot sausage in a crock pot

Hot sausages can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sandwiches

You can serve the sausages in hoagie rolls or sandwich buns. For an Italian-style sandwich, pile the sausages inside split and toasted hoagie buns, top with Provolone cheese, and arrange on a baking sheet. Broil until the cheese is melted and golden. Alternatively, fill each roll with a sausage and desired amount of sauce, and top with shredded Italian cheese blend. Broil for a further 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Pasta

Hot sausages can also be served with pasta. Spoon the sausages and sauce generously over whole wheat pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan. You can also swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or try a 50/50 mix of spiralized zucchini and whole wheat spaghetti.

Rice

For a gluten-free option, serve the sausages and sauce over prepared brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Sides

If you're looking for a simpler option, you can enjoy the sausages on their own with a side of roasted vegetables, or try some Southern Fried Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Grilled Vegetables, or Pasta Salad.

Freezing and Storing

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How to store hot sausage in a crock pot

Storing hot sausage in a crock pot is a simple process. Firstly, it is important to note that cooked sausages can be kept at room temperature for up to two hours before they need to be refrigerated. If you are storing leftovers, it is best to use an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the sausages. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible before sealing. Sausages can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you are ready to enjoy them again, simply add them to your slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour and then on low for 6 hours.

It is important to note that the above guidelines are general recommendations. Always use your best judgment when storing food, and if in doubt, throw it out.

How to make hot sausage in a crock pot with sauce

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Hot Italian sausage links
• Onion
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley

Method:

You can make this recipe by throwing all the ingredients into the slow cooker and letting it cook. However, for extra flavour, you can first sauté the ingredients in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

Method with skillet:

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage links and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are browned. Then, place them on a cutting board, slice them, and put them in the slow cooker.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the onions and cook for about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

Step 3: In the skillet, add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes or until they are golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 4: In the slow cooker, add the bell pepper, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cover and cook for 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high. The sausage should be tender and cooked through. Top with parsley before serving.

Tips:

• Be sure to use uncooked Italian sausage in its casing, not precooked sausages, as these will become tough.
• It is best to cut the onions and bell peppers thickly, as thin slices may break down into the sauce.
• You can add extra herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes.
• If your tomato sauce is too thick, add some chicken broth to the pot.
• You can prepare this dish the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, in the morning, place the insert on the slow cooker base and cook on high for 30 minutes, then on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Serving suggestions:

• Toasted bun with mozzarella or provolone cheese
• With a side of cornbread
• Zucchini noodles or regular noodles
• Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
• Mashed cauliflower, butternut squash, or potatoes
• Roasted vegetables

How to cook hot sausage in a crock pot from frozen

Cooking hot sausages in a crock pot from frozen is a great way to have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Hot Italian sausages (you can use either links or ground sausage)
• Olive oil
• Vegetables of your choice (such as onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.)
• Tomato sauce or marinara sauce (optional)
• Spices and seasonings (such as Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic, etc.)

Instructions:

Before starting, decide if you want to sear your sausages and vegetables before adding them to the crock pot. This step is optional but can add extra flavor to your dish.

Step 1: Searing (Optional)

• Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the sausages and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned.
• Transfer the sausages to a cutting board, slice them, and set them aside.
• In the same skillet, add your choice of vegetables. Cook until they are slightly softened, stirring occasionally. If using garlic, add it towards the end for just a minute or so.
• Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Crock Pot Cooking

• Place the sausages and vegetables in the crock pot.
• If using tomato sauce, pour it over the sausages and vegetables.
• Add your desired spices and seasonings.
• Cover the crock pot and set the timer. For frozen sausages, cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Serving Suggestions:

• This dish can be served on its own or with a side of roasted vegetables.
• For a heartier meal, serve the sausages and vegetables over cooked rice, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.
• For a sandwich option, serve on toasted hoagie rolls or brat buns with melted cheese.

Tips:

• Cut your vegetables on the thicker side to prevent them from breaking down into the sauce during the long cooking time.
• If your tomato sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little chicken broth.
• You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling all the ingredients in the crock pot and storing it in the refrigerator overnight. Start the crock pot in the morning, and you'll have a delicious meal ready by dinnertime!

Enjoy your tasty and effortless crock pot hot sausage feast!

Frequently asked questions