Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This sausage and gravy crock pot recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekend brunches. Forget greasy spoons and complicated recipes – this version delivers all the rich, savory flavor of classic sausage gravy with minimal effort. It’s a delicious, healthy-ish meal the whole family will love, proving that homemade cooking can be both quick and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), removed from casings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness, but 2% or skim work too)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes (or your favorite side dish)
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds a depth of flavor that simply cooking it in the crockpot won’t achieve.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of your gravy.
- Combine in the crock pot: Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to your slow cooker.
- Make the gravy: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using) until smooth. Pour the mixture over the sausage in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Serve the sausage gravy over mashed potatoes, biscuits, toast, or grits.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sausage Gravy:
- Don't skip browning the sausage: Browning the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker adds a significant amount of flavor to the final dish.
- Adjust the seasonings: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. You might also want to experiment with other herbs and spices.
- Thicken the gravy: If the gravy is too thin after cooking, you can whisk in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Prepare the sausage gravy ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Sausage Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Sausage Gravy: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy twist.
- Cheesy Sausage Gravy: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the type of sausage and milk used. A general estimate for a serving with mashed potatoes is approximately 400-500 calories, 25-30g of fat, and 20-25g of protein. This is a rough estimate and should be calculated more precisely based on your specific ingredients.
This easy crock pot sausage and gravy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy meals can be prepared without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!