How To Cook Sausage In Slow Cooker [GUIDE]

Sausage is a versatile and comforting protein, celebrated for its rich flavors and adaptability in a wide array of dishes. While grilling or pan-frying are popular methods, using a slow cooker transforms sausage into a tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful experience without the constant attention required by traditional methods. Slow cooking allows the fats and seasonings in sausages to meld with accompanying vegetables, sauces, or beans, creating a dish that’s both hearty and convenient. Whether preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a meal for entertaining, slow cooker sausage offers an effortless yet satisfying solution. In this guide, we will explore everything from cooking times and ingredient selection to troubleshooting and expert techniques, ensuring that your slow-cooked sausages turn out perfectly every time.

How Long To Cook Sausage In Slow Cooker

The cooking time for sausage in a slow cooker varies depending on the type of sausage, whether it is raw or pre-cooked, and the slow cooker’s heat setting. As a general rule:

• Raw sausages: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This ensures they cook through slowly, allowing the fat and juices to render fully and infuse surrounding ingredients.
• Pre-cooked sausages (like smoked or fully cooked links): Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours. Since they are already cooked, the goal here is primarily to heat them evenly and let them absorb flavors.

Slow cookers vary in temperature, so it’s important to monitor doneness, especially when cooking larger or thicker sausages, to avoid undercooking in the center or overcooking the exterior.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Unlike stovetop or oven cooking, slow cookers provide less visible cues like browning. Therefore, internal temperature is the most reliable indicator of doneness.

• Use a meat thermometer: Insert the thermometer into the center of the thickest sausage. For pork or beef sausages, the temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). For poultry sausages, aim for 165°F (74°C).
• Texture and firmness: Fully cooked sausage will feel firm but not dry when gently pressed. Undercooked sausage often feels soft and springy.
• Juices: When cut, the juices should run clear rather than pink or reddish. This is an additional confirmation that the sausage is safe to eat.

Relying solely on visual cues can be misleading, as the slow cooking process may give the sausages a cooked appearance before they reach a safe internal temperature.

Ingredients Needed

The beauty of slow cooker sausage is its flexibility. While sausages can be cooked alone, pairing them with complementary ingredients elevates the dish. Essentials include:

• Sausages: Fresh, raw, or pre-cooked links (pork, beef, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages).
• Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, or cabbage add flavor and bulk.
• Liquids: Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable), tomato sauce, or beer for braising.
• Seasonings: Garlic, herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano), salt, pepper, paprika, or chili flakes.
• Optional add-ins: Beans, lentils, or pasta for a one-pot meal.

Choosing the right balance of liquid and seasoning is crucial. Too little liquid may cause sausages to dry out, while too much may dilute flavor.

How To Cook Sausage In Slow Cooker

1. Prep sausages and ingredients: Slice vegetables and optionally sear sausages in a skillet to develop caramelization and flavor. While not mandatory, searing enhances the dish’s depth.
2. Layering: Place vegetables and aromatics at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange sausages on top to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
3. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour your chosen broth or sauce over the ingredients. Season according to taste.
4. Set the slow cooker: Choose low for long, gentle cooking or high for a shorter cooking time.
5. Monitor and stir occasionally: While slow cooking is hands-off, stirring once or twice helps distribute flavors and ensures sausages are fully submerged in liquid if desired.
6. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure sausages reach a safe internal temperature.

This method results in sausages that are tender, flavorful, and infused with the aromatics and liquids they cook alongside.

When Things Go Wrong

Even slow cooking can go awry. Common issues include:

• Sausages are tough or dry: Likely overcooked, or cooked without sufficient liquid. Lowering the temperature or adding more broth next time can help.
• Sausages split or burst: High temperatures or overcrowding can cause casing to break. Searing first or leaving space between sausages prevents splitting.
• Flavorless outcome: Under-seasoning or not allowing flavors to meld is the culprit. Layering seasonings and including aromatic vegetables ensures depth.

Troubleshooting usually involves adjusting cooking time, liquid quantity, or seasoning in future attempts.

Expert Tips

• Sear first: Browning sausages before slow cooking develops caramelized flavor that enhances the entire dish.
• Use thick liquids for sauces: A mix of tomato paste, broth, or cream can result in a rich sauce that clings to sausages.
• Layer flavors: Add herbs early, but fresh herbs at the end maintain brightness.
• Avoid lifting the lid too often: Each peek drops the temperature and lengthens cooking time.
• Cook with complementary foods: Root vegetables, beans, and cabbage absorb sausage flavor and create a complete meal.

Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?

Yes. If you don’t have a slow cooker, sausages can be cooked using:

• Oven braising: Bake sausages in a covered dish with liquid at 325°F (160°C) for 45-60 minutes.
• Stovetop simmering: Place sausages in a pot with a sauce or broth and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes.
• Instant Pot or pressure cooker: Use the ’pressure cook’ function for 10-15 minutes, followed by natural release.

While textures may differ slightly, these methods still provide tender, flavorful sausages when done correctly.

Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are ideal for gently reheating leftovers without drying them out:

1. Transfer cooked sausages and accompanying sauce to the slow cooker.
2. Add a small splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.
3. Set the slow cooker to low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Avoid high heat, which can overcook sausages and toughen the meat.

FAQs

Can I Cook Raw Sausage Directly In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can cook raw sausage directly in a slow cooker. However, it is recommended to brown the sausages in a skillet first to enhance flavor and improve texture, though it is not strictly necessary.

How Long Should Sausages Be Cooked In A Slow Cooker?

Cooking time depends on the type of sausage and heat setting. On low heat, sausages typically cook for 6 to 8 hours, and on high heat, they usually cook for 3 to 4 hours. Always check that the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) for pork sausages or 165°F (74°C) for poultry sausages.

Do I Need To Add Liquid When Cooking Sausage In A Slow Cooker?

Adding liquid is optional but recommended if you want a sauce or if your recipe includes vegetables. Common liquids include water, broth, beer, or tomato sauce. The slow cooker helps retain moisture, so sausages will not dry out easily even without liquid.

Can I Cook Frozen Sausages In A Slow Cooker?

It is possible to cook frozen sausages in a slow cooker, but it is not recommended due to food safety concerns. Cooking from frozen may increase the time sausages spend in the temperature danger zone (40-140°F), where bacteria can grow. Thawing first ensures more even cooking.

Should Sausages Be Pierced Before Cooking In A Slow Cooker?

It is not necessary to pierce sausages. Piercing can cause juices to escape, resulting in drier sausages. The slow cooker retains moisture, so sausages will remain tender without piercing.

Can I Cook Sausages With Vegetables In The Slow Cooker?

Yes, sausages can be cooked with vegetables such as onions, peppers, carrots, or potatoes. Place root vegetables at the bottom as they take longer to cook. The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld together naturally.

How Do I Prevent Sausages From Sticking To The Slow Cooker?

To prevent sticking, lightly grease the slow cooker with oil or cooking spray before adding sausages. Alternatively, you can use a liner or place sausages on a bed of onions or vegetables to reduce direct contact with the cooker surface.

Can I Use Pre-cooked Sausages In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, pre-cooked sausages can be used. Since they are already cooked, they only need to be heated through, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours on low or 30 minutes to 1 hour on high. This method is convenient for quick meals.

How Do I Know When Sausages Are Fully Cooked In A Slow Cooker?

Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork and beef sausages should reach 160°F (71°C), while poultry sausages should reach 165°F (74°C). The sausage should be firm to the touch and juices should run clear.

Can I Make A Sauce Or Gravy With The Sausage Drippings In The Slow Cooker?

Yes, the drippings in the slow cooker can be used to make a sauce or gravy. Remove the sausages, then combine the drippings with flour, cornstarch, or cream and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Adding herbs, mustard, or tomato paste can enhance flavor.