Are you looking for a flavorful and easy meal solution? Look no further! In this article, we’re excited to share 18 mouth-watering spicy Italian sausage crock pot slow-cooked recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty soup, a comforting casserole, or a quick and easy one-pot dinner, these recipes have got you covered.
From creamy soups to savory stews, we’ve rounded up the best of the best when it comes to slow-cooked Italian sausage dishes. With ingredients like peppers, onions, tomatoes, and of course, spicy Italian sausage, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 18 delicious recipes, exploring their unique flavor profiles, cooking times, and tips for serving. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a convenient meal solution or a foodie seeking inspiration for your next dinner party, we’ve got you covered.
Creamy Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Creamy Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Warm up with a hearty bowl of this comforting soup, packed with flavorful sausage, tender tortellini, and rich cream. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz cheese-filled tortellini
Instructions:
1. Cook sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Pour in chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
5. Add tortellini and simmer an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers
A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and yields a deliciously rich and savory outcome.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage links
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the sliced peppers and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Add the Italian sausage links on top of the vegetables.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the sausages.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew
This comforting stew combines the flavors of Italian sausage with creamy white beans, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add sausage, onion, garlic, and oregano to the crock pot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Pour into the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Italian Sausage and Potato Casserole
This hearty casserole combines flavorful Italian sausage with tender potatoes and a blend of creamy cheese, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. In a separate pot, boil potatoes for 5 minutes; drain and set aside.
4. In the same pot, combine cooked sausage, potatoes, onion, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with additional mozzarella cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage with Marinara Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this effortless slow cooker recipe that combines flavorful Italian sausage and tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for a crowd, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the sliced onion to the slow cooker.
2. Place the Italian sausage on top of the onion.
3. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the sausage.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and marinara sauce.
5. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Italian Sausage and Kale Soup
This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal. The combination of tender Italian sausage, kale, and aromatic spices will warm your belly and your soul.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add sausage, chicken broth, onion, garlic, kale, diced tomatoes, and oregano to the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Italian Sausage and Lentil Stew
This hearty stew combines spicy Italian sausage with nutritious lentils and aromatic vegetables for a flavorful and filling meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch, this recipe is easy to make and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Red pepper flakes, optional (for extra heat)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, lentils, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup
This comforting soup is a creative take on traditional lasagna, featuring tender Italian sausage, lasagna noodles, and a rich tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, lasagna noodles, mozzarella cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Italian Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
This hearty and flavorful recipe combines juicy Italian sausage with tender broccoli and al dente pasta, all slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage
– 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
– 8 oz. penne pasta
– 2 cups of marinara sauce
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the Italian sausage, broccoli, penne pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and oregano in a Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
One-Pot Italian Sausage and Rice Dinner
A hearty, flavorful meal that’s ready in under an hour! This recipe combines the savory taste of Italian sausage with creamy rice and vegetables, all cooked to perfection in one pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage; cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice, chicken broth, peas and carrots, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Meatballs in Sauce
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this comforting slow cooker recipe that combines tender meatballs with a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Enjoy the meatballs with your favorite pasta, garlic bread, or as a sub sandwich filling.
Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana with Italian Sausage
Warm up with this hearty and flavorful soup that combines the richness of Italian sausage, creamy potatoes, and kale. This easy-to-make Crock Pot recipe is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
– 2 cups kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the Italian sausage, onion, and garlic to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and potato.
4. Continue cooking until the potato is tender.
5. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Italian Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Italian Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells: A Twist on a Classic!
This recipe combines the flavors of Italian sausage and spinach with traditional stuffed shells, creating a delicious and savory twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened.
5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Combine cooked sausage mixture with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stuff each pasta shell with the sausage-spinach mixture and place in a baking dish.
8. Top shells with remaining mozzarella cheese and chopped parsley (if using).
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Corn Chowder
This hearty chowder is a perfect blend of flavors, featuring spicy Italian sausage, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes. With minimal effort, you’ll have a warm and comforting meal ready to serve.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage links
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add sausage, onion, garlic, potatoes, and corn to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in chicken broth and add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Bake
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this comforting slow-cooked dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. This recipe combines tender gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage links
– 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook Italian sausage links according to package instructions; slice into rounds.
2. In the Crock Pot, combine cooked sausage, gnocchi, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Spicy Italian Sausage and Quinoa Skillet
A flavorful and spicy one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or brunch. This recipe combines the savory taste of Italian sausage with nutty quinoa and a burst of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups cooked quinoa
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked quinoa, crushed tomatoes, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Mushroom Risotto
A hearty, comforting dish perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day. This slow cooker risotto combines the flavors of Italian sausage, mushrooms, and Arborio rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon, until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
2. Add chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic to slow cooker; cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in Arborio rice, chicken broth, white wine (if using), and thyme. Cook an additional 30 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Crock Pot Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup
Warm up with this comforting and aromatic soup that combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage, cabbage, and vegetables. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add sliced sausage, onion, garlic, and cabbage to the Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the sausage and vegetables in the Crock Pot.
3. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Summary
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these deliciously easy recipes featuring Italian sausage as the star ingredient. From creamy soups to hearty casseroles, there’s something for everyone in this collection of 18 slow-cooked dishes. Try the Creamy Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup or the Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers for a flavorful twist on classic comfort food. With ingredients like marinara sauce, white beans, and kale, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household.