Slow cooking sausages is a great way to prepare this tasty and convenient food. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a satisfying dinner, slow-cooked sausages are a great option. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of slow cooking sausages, the different methods you can use, and some delicious recipe ideas to get you started.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking Sausages
Slow cooking sausages offers several benefits over traditional cooking methods. Here are a few reasons why you should consider slow cooking your sausages:
- Tender and juicy: Slow cooking sausages helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making them tender and juicy.
- Easy to prepare: Simply place the sausages in the slow cooker, add your favorite seasonings and ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Versatile: Slow-cooked sausages can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
- Cost-effective: Slow cooking sausages is a great way to stretch your food budget, as you can use less expensive cuts of meat and still achieve delicious results.
Methods for Slow Cooking Sausages
There are several methods you can use to slow cook sausages, including:
Slow Cooker Method
This is one of the most popular methods for slow cooking sausages. Simply place the sausages in the slow cooker, add your favorite seasonings and ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Basic Slow Cooker Sausage Recipe
- 1 pound sausages (any variety)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Place the sausages, onion, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, and oregano in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Oven Method
You can also slow cook sausages in the oven. Simply place the sausages in a baking dish, add your favorite seasonings and ingredients, and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours.
Basic Oven Sausage Recipe
- 1 pound sausages (any variety)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Place the sausages, onion, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, and oregano in a baking dish. Cook at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Instant Pot Method
If you’re short on time, you can also slow cook sausages in the Instant Pot. Simply place the sausages, your favorite seasonings and ingredients, and cook on high pressure for 30-60 minutes.
Basic Instant Pot Sausage Recipe
- 1 pound sausages (any variety)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Place the sausages, onion, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, and oregano in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 30-60 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Delicious Slow-Cooked Sausage Recipes
Here are a few delicious slow-cooked sausage recipes to try:
Slow-Cooked Sausage and Pepper Skillet
- 1 pound sausages (any variety)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 large bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Place the sausages, onion, bell peppers, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, and oregano in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Slow-Cooked Sausage and Potato Stew
- 1 pound sausages (any variety)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Place the sausages, potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, and oregano in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Conclusion
Slow cooking sausages is a delicious and easy way to prepare this tasty and convenient food. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a satisfying dinner, slow-cooked sausages are a great option. With the methods and recipes outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious slow-cooked sausage dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
What are the benefits of slow cooking sausages?
Slow cooking sausages is a great way to prepare your favorite links because it allows for even cooking and prevents burning. When sausages are cooked too quickly, the outside can become charred and overcooked before the inside is fully cooked. Slow cooking eliminates this problem, ensuring that your sausages are cooked to perfection.
Additionally, slow cooking sausages is a low-maintenance and convenient way to prepare a meal. Simply place the sausages in the slow cooker, add your desired seasonings and ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work for you. This method is perfect for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
What type of sausages are best suited for slow cooking?
Any type of sausage can be slow cooked, but some varieties work better than others. Thicker sausages, such as bratwurst or knockwurst, hold up particularly well to slow cooking. These sausages have a coarser texture and a more robust flavor that can withstand the long cooking time.
Smaller sausages, such as Italian sausage or Chorizo, can also be slow cooked, but they may become more tender and prone to breaking apart. If you’re using smaller sausages, it’s best to cook them on low for a shorter amount of time to prevent them from becoming too soft.
How long does it take to slow cook sausages?
The cooking time for slow-cooked sausages will depend on the type and size of the sausages, as well as the temperature of your slow cooker. As a general rule, you can cook sausages on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
It’s always best to check the internal temperature of the sausages to ensure they are cooked to a safe temperature. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for pork sausages and 165°F (74°C) for chicken sausages.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the sausages?
One of the best things about slow cooking sausages is that you can add a variety of other ingredients to the slow cooker to create a complete meal. Some popular options include peppers, onions, potatoes, and carrots. You can also add beans, tomatoes, and broth to create a hearty stew.
When adding other ingredients, it’s best to place the sausages on the bottom of the slow cooker and add the other ingredients on top. This will help the sausages cook evenly and prevent them from becoming too crowded.
How do I prevent the sausages from drying out during slow cooking?
To prevent sausages from drying out during slow cooking, it’s essential to keep them moist. You can do this by adding a liquid to the slow cooker, such as broth or beer. You can also add a bit of fat, such as oil or butter, to the slow cooker to help keep the sausages moist.
Another way to prevent drying out is to cook the sausages on low for a longer amount of time. This will help them cook slowly and evenly, preventing them from becoming too dry.
Can I slow cook sausages in a crock pot or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can slow cook sausages in a crock pot or Instant Pot. In fact, these appliances are perfect for slow cooking sausages because they allow for even cooking and can be programmed to cook for a specific amount of time.
When using a crock pot or Instant Pot, simply place the sausages in the pot, add your desired seasonings and ingredients, and set the cooking time. The crock pot or Instant Pot will do the rest, cooking the sausages to perfection.
How do I store leftover slow-cooked sausages?
Leftover slow-cooked sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When storing leftovers, it’s essential to cool them to room temperature first to prevent bacterial growth.
Once cooled, you can place the sausages in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze them. When reheating, simply place the sausages in the microwave or oven and heat until warmed through.