A Hearty Comfort Meal for Your Slow Cooker
Brown Gravy Smoked Sausage Crockpot Recipe—let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like a warm, home-cooked meal that practically makes itself, right? That’s exactly what this recipe delivers. Packed with smoky, savory flavors and coated in a rich, velvety brown gravy, this dish is like a hug for your taste buds. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Gravy Smoked Sausage Crockpot Recipe
What makes this recipe a keeper? It’s the perfect combo of smoky, meaty sausage swimming in a slow-simmered brown gravy that practically begs to be poured over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery noodles. And the best part? Your crockpot does all the heavy lifting. Just toss in the ingredients, turn it on, and let it do its thing while you go about your day. Seriously, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious—trust me, your family will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).
Next up: I’ll walk you through the key ingredients that make this dish so irresistible. Stay tuned!
Ingredients for the Best Smoked Sausage Crockpot Recipe
Let’s start with the star of the show: smoked sausage. You can use just about any type you like—pork, beef, turkey, or even a mix. For a classic flavor, kielbasa is always a safe bet, but andouille sausage is perfect if you’re craving a spicy kick. Slice them into bite-sized rounds so they cook evenly and soak up all that gravy goodness.
How to Make Brown Gravy for Smoked Sausage in a Crockpot
Here’s the secret to that rich, savory sauce: brown gravy mix. You can grab a store-bought packet for convenience, but if you’re feeling fancy, homemade brown gravy works just as well (and tastes amazing!). To make it richer, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce—it really deepens the flavor.
Vegetables and Aromatics
A good slow cooker meal needs a balance of flavors, and that’s where the veggies come in. Sliced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers add a sweet and savory base that pairs beautifully with the sausage. Want to bulk it up even more? Toss in some baby carrots, celery, or diced potatoes.
Broth and Seasonings
Beef broth is key for creating a flavorful gravy. You’ll also need seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, and maybe a pinch of smoked paprika to complement the sausage. Don’t overdo the salt—remember, the sausage and gravy mix already pack plenty of it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Brown Gravy Smoked Sausage Crockpot Cooking
Preparing the Sausage
Before adding the sausage to your crockpot, you might want to brown it first. While this step isn’t strictly necessary, it adds a ton of flavor. Just heat a skillet over medium-high heat, toss in your sliced sausage, and let it sizzle until it’s slightly caramelized. (Pro tip: Save those browned bits from the skillet—they’re liquid gold for flavor!)
Tips for Perfect Brown Gravy in Crockpot Sausage Recipes
Once your sausage is ready, grab your crockpot and start layering. First, add the onions, garlic, and any other vegetables to the bottom. This creates a cushion that prevents the sausage from sticking or overcooking. Then, pile on the sausage slices and sprinkle the brown gravy mix over the top. Finally, pour in the beef broth—just enough to cover the sausage and veggies.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Slow and steady is the way to go if you want the flavors to really meld together. You’ll know it’s ready when the veggies are tender, the sausage is juicy, and the gravy is thick and bubbling.
Final Touches
Before serving, give the gravy a quick taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Want it thicker? Whisk together a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it into the crockpot. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes, and boom—perfectly thickened gravy!
Now that your kitchen smells amazing, it’s time to plate up this comfort food classic. Next, let’s talk about the best sides and ways to switch up this recipe to make it your own!
Perfect Pairings for Brown Gravy Smoked Sausage Crockpot Recipe
Side Dishes
When it comes to serving this brown gravy smoked sausage crockpot recipe, you need a hearty side to soak up all that savory gravy. Here are a few crowd-pleasers:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the ultimate partner for this dish. Trust me, a big spoonful of sausage and gravy on top of mashed potatoes is pure comfort food heaven.
- Steamed Rice: If you’re looking for something simple, white or brown rice works beautifully. The gravy coats the grains perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
- Buttered Noodles: Wide egg noodles tossed in a little butter and parsley are a fantastic (and easy) option.
- Crusty Bread: Sometimes, all you need is a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of gravy. Bonus points if you can grab some garlic bread!
Beverages
Pair your meal with drinks that complement the rich, smoky flavors. I recommend sweet tea, a crisp lager, or even a full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon if you’re feeling fancy. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works just as well to balance the richness.
Recipe Variations for Brown Gravy Smoked Sausage Crockpot Recipe
Spicy Twist
If you love a bit of heat, you can spice things up by using andouille sausage or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy. You could even toss in some sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick!
Vegetarian Option
For a plant-based version, swap the smoked sausage with your favorite meatless sausage. Brands like Beyond Meat or Field Roast have some great options. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and make sure your gravy mix is vegetarian-friendly. Add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potatoes to keep it hearty.
Additional Vegetables
Want to sneak in more veggies? This recipe is super flexible! Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or toss in some green beans or peas for a pop of color. Diced sweet potatoes or parsnips can also make it more filling and give the dish a slight sweetness.
Cheesy Upgrade
Feeling indulgent? Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese right before serving, or sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top. This adds a creamy, cheesy element that’s hard to resist.
Sweet and Smoky
For a slightly sweet twist, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the gravy. It plays perfectly with the smoky sausage and adds a subtle depth to the flavor.
No matter how you serve or tweak this recipe, it’s bound to be a hit. Up next, I’ll share some tried-and-true tips to make sure your dish comes out perfectly every single time!
Maximizing Flavor
Brown the Sausage First
Okay, this step isn’t mandatory, but it’s worth the extra effort. Browning the sausage in a skillet before tossing it into the crockpot adds a caramelized, smoky depth that really makes the flavors pop. Plus, those browned bits left behind in the pan? Deglaze them with a splash of beef broth and pour it into the crockpot for an extra flavor boost.
Use Quality Ingredients
Since this recipe is simple, the ingredients matter. Go for high-quality smoked sausage (look for ones with natural casings for that snap!) and a good beef broth. If you’re making your own gravy, opt for unsalted broth so you can control the saltiness better.
Layer Your Ingredients
This might sound overly picky, but the order of your ingredients actually makes a difference. Start with the veggies at the bottom (they need the most cooking time), then layer the sausage on top. Sprinkle the gravy mix evenly over everything before adding the liquid. This ensures the flavors distribute evenly during cooking.
Achieving the Perfect Smoked Sausage with Brown Gravy
Thicken It to Your Liking
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you have options! You can whisk together a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) or mix in a little flour and butter paste (called a beurre manié if you want to sound fancy). Stir it into the crockpot 15-20 minutes before serving and let it cook until it thickens.
Add a Flavor Boost
Sometimes, a little extra seasoning takes your gravy from good to amazing. Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar can add layers of flavor. If you like a smoky kick, a pinch of smoked paprika works wonders.
Taste Before Serving
Gravy can be a little sneaky when it comes to saltiness, especially with pre-seasoned sausage and gravy mixes. Always give it a quick taste before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Crockpot Tips
Avoid Overcooking
While the crockpot is forgiving, even slow cookers have their limits. Sausage doesn’t need to be cooked for hours on end—it’s already fully cooked, so you’re really just infusing it with the gravy flavors. Stick to the suggested cooking times: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Don’t Peek Too Much
I get it—it’s hard to resist lifting the lid to check on your meal, especially when your kitchen smells amazing. But every time you do, you lose heat and add extra cooking time. So, keep that lid on unless absolutely necessary!
Prep Ahead for Convenience
If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prep everything the night before. Slice the sausage, chop the veggies, and mix the gravy base. Store everything in the fridge in separate containers and dump it all into the crockpot when you’re ready to start cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Do you have to brown sausages before slow cooking?
No, you don’t have to brown them, but it’s highly recommended! Browning sausages adds a layer of flavor and creates a slightly crispy texture that enhances the dish. If you’re in a hurry, it’s fine to skip this step, but you might miss out on that extra depth of flavor.
What makes sausage gravy taste better?
The secret is in the little extras! A splash of Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a dollop of Dijon mustard can take your gravy from good to amazing. Adding aromatics like garlic and onions during cooking also boosts the flavor.
How do you turn crockpot liquid into gravy?
It’s easy! After the dish finishes cooking, scoop out a bit of the liquid and whisk it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water). Stir the mixture back into the crockpot and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.
How do you simmer smoked sausage?
Simmering smoked sausage is simple. Just place the sausage in a skillet with a small amount of water (enough to cover the bottom) and cook it over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Flip the sausage halfway through. This method heats it through while keeping it juicy.
Can I use frozen sausage in this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to thaw it first. Cooking frozen sausage directly in the crockpot can lead to uneven cooking. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost function on your microwave before slicing and adding it to the dish.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave it in 30-second intervals or warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy thickens too much during storage.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your new favorite comfort food recipe: brown gravy smoked sausage made easy in the crockpot! It’s hearty, flavorful, and so simple to whip up, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. With tender sausage, rich gravy, and perfectly cooked veggies, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, it’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out.
The best part? It’s versatile enough to customize however you like. Want to add more heat? Go for it! Prefer a veggie-packed version? Toss them in. No matter how you tweak it, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot, round up the ingredients, and let this dish work its magic. Trust me, your family (and your taste buds) will thank you. And hey, if you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment or share your creation on social media—don’t forget to tag me!