Are you looking for simple yet flavorful weeknight dinners? Do you love the convenience of a slow cooker? Then you're in the right place! This blog post features some fantastic crock pot recipes with sausage, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious, resulting in healthy meals the whole family will enjoy. Let's dive into some homemade cooking magic!
Creamy Tomato Sausage and Spinach
This recipe is a fantastic example of how easy and healthy crock pot meals can be. The creamy tomato sauce perfectly complements the savory sausage, while the spinach adds a nutritious boost. This quick dinner idea is perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned sausage to your slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 30 minutes, or until the onion is softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. This pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping!
Cooking Tips:
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to this recipe.
- If you don't have fresh spinach, you can substitute with frozen spinach (thawed and drained).
Variations:
- Spicy Sausage: Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
- White Sausage: Substitute with kielbasa or another white sausage for a milder flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with 1 cup of crumbled firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 20-25g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
More Crock Pot Sausage Recipes Coming Soon!
Stay tuned for more delicious and easy crock pot recipes featuring sausage. We'll be sharing more quick dinner ideas and best recipes to make your life easier and tastier! We hope you enjoy this easy recipe for a healthy meal! Remember to subscribe to our blog for more food recipes and homemade cooking inspiration. We’re committed to bringing you the best recipes available!