Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further! This Sausage Potato Crock Pot recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Imagine tender potatoes, bursting with savory sausage flavor, all cooked to perfection with minimal effort. This recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, delivering a delicious and satisfying meal without hours spent slaving over a hot stove. It's a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, all rolled into one!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!), casings removed
- 2 lbs small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
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Brown the Sausage: Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This helps to render some of the fat and adds a nice texture to the final dish. Don't worry about cooking it completely; it will finish cooking in the crock pot.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the halved potatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a truly satisfying dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, give it a gentle stir and serve hot. This delicious and easy recipe is perfect as a standalone meal or served alongside a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Sausage Potato Crock Pot Recipe:
- Potato Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of potatoes. Yukon gold or russet potatoes would also work well.
- Spice it Up: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for extra richness and creaminess.
Variations:
- Cheesy Sausage Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Breakfast Sausage Potatoes: Use breakfast sausage instead of Italian sausage for a hearty breakfast dish.
- Spicy Sausage Potatoes: Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients. However, generally, expect a serving to be relatively high in protein and carbohydrates, moderate in fat, and a good source of fiber from the potatoes.
This Sausage Potato Crock Pot recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy!