Culinary

Sausages In Slow Cooker Without Browning

Yui
Sausages In Slow Cooker Without Browning

Sausages are a versatile and delicious meal option, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. While many recipes recommend browning sausages before slow cooking, you can skip this step and still achieve juicy, flavorful results. Cooking sausages in a slow cooker without browning saves time and effort while ensuring they remain tender and infused with rich flavors.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to cook sausages in a slow cooker without browning, the best ingredients to use, and helpful tips to make your dish even more delicious.

Why Cook Sausages in a Slow Cooker Without Browning?

Many traditional recipes call for browning sausages in a pan before slow cooking. While this can enhance flavor, it isn’t always necessary. Here are some reasons to skip browning when using a slow cooker:

✅ Saves Time and Effort – No need to use extra pans or stand over the stove.
✅ Keeps Sausages Extra Juicy – Slow cooking without browning helps retain moisture.
✅ Less Mess and Fewer Dishes – Everything goes straight into the slow cooker.
✅ Infuses More Flavor – Sausages absorb flavors better when cooked slowly in sauces or seasonings.

How to Cook Sausages in a Slow Cooker Without Browning

Step 1: Choose Your Sausages

The best types of sausages for slow cooking include:

  • Pork sausages – Classic, juicy, and full of flavor.

  • Beef sausages – Rich and hearty, great for stews or casseroles.

  • Chicken sausages – Leaner but still delicious when slow-cooked.

  • Italian sausages – Perfect for adding extra spice and seasoning.

Avoid pre-cooked sausages, as they can become too soft and lose texture in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Before adding the sausages, lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

You can also add a layer of vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or potatoes at the bottom. This prevents the sausages from sticking and adds extra flavor.

Step 3: Add Your Cooking Liquid

Since we are not browning the sausages, adding a flavorful cooking liquid is essential. Some great options include:

  • Tomato sauce – Creates a rich, tangy sausage dish.

  • Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) – Adds depth without overpowering flavors.

  • Beer or cider – Infuses the sausages with a rich, malty taste.

  • BBQ sauce – Ideal for a smoky, sweet sausage dish.

  • Gravy – A great option for a heartier meal.

Add just enough liquid to cover the bottom of the slow cooker without submerging the sausages completely. This allows them to cook slowly and absorb flavors without becoming too soft.

Step 4: Add Seasonings and Vegetables

To enhance the taste, you can add extra seasonings and vegetables. Some great options include:

  • Garlic and onions – Adds sweetness and depth.

  • Bell peppers and mushrooms – Complements the savory flavor of sausages.

  • Potatoes and carrots – Turns your dish into a complete meal.

  • Paprika, thyme, and oregano – Enhances the natural flavors of the sausages.

Sprinkle the seasonings over the sausages and gently stir to combine.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Sausages

Set your slow cooker to the low or high setting, depending on your cooking time:

  • Low setting (6-8 hours) – Ideal for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.

  • High setting (3-4 hours) – A faster option while still keeping the sausages juicy.

Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sausages are fully cooked, serve them with:

  • Mashed potatoes – A classic comfort food pairing.

  • Rice or pasta – Absorbs the rich sauce for a satisfying meal.

  • Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into flavorful sauces.

  • Grilled vegetables – A healthy and tasty side option.

Tips for Cooking Sausages in a Slow Cooker Without Browning

Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker – Leave space between sausages for even cooking.
Use Thick, High-Quality Sausages – Thin sausages may become too soft.
Adjust Seasonings as Needed – Taste the sauce before serving and adjust spices if necessary.
Use a Meat Thermometer – Ensure the internal temperature of the sausages reaches 160°F (71°C) for pork and beef or 165°F (74°C) for chicken sausages.
Try Different Sauces – Experiment with curry sauce, honey mustard, or balsamic glaze for variety.

Best Sausage Recipes for a Slow Cooker

1. Slow Cooker Italian Sausages in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 6 Italian sausages

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Add onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

  2. Place the sausages on top.

  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

  5. Serve with pasta or bread.

2. Slow Cooker BBQ Sausages

Ingredients:

  • 8 pork sausages

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ onion, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Place onions in the slow cooker.

  2. Add sausages and cover with BBQ sauce, vinegar, sugar, and paprika.

  3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

  4. Serve with mashed potatoes or coleslaw.

3. Slow Cooker Sausages with Peppers and Onions

Ingredients:

  • 6 beef or pork sausages

  • 2 bell peppers, sliced

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Add onions and peppers to the slow cooker.

  2. Place sausages on top and sprinkle with seasonings.

  3. Pour in the beef broth.

  4. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.

  5. Serve on sandwich rolls or with rice.

Cooking sausages in a slow cooker without browning is a simple, hands-off method that delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. By using the right sausages, adding flavorful liquids and seasonings, and cooking at the right temperature, you can create a delicious meal without the extra step of browning.

Whether you’re making Italian sausages in tomato sauce, BBQ sausages, or sausages with peppers and onions, the slow cooker is a convenient and foolproof way to prepare a satisfying dish. Try these methods, experiment with different flavors, and enjoy an easy, tasty meal with minimal cleanup!