Olivia Carter
Welcome to our guide on how to cook devilled sausages in a slow cooker. This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for those busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker method ensures that the sausages are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Devilled sausages are a popular comfort food in many households. The dish features juicy sausages cooked in a rich and spicy tomato sauce, packed with onions and bell peppers. The slow cooker allows the sausages to cook slowly, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.
Using a slow cooker is a great option for those who want to set it and forget it. Simply prepare your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. By the time you return, you’ll be welcomed by the delicious aroma of devilled sausages ready to be enjoyed.
Follow our step-by-step guide below to learn how to cook devilled sausages in a slow cooker and impress your family and friends with this hearty and flavorful dish.
Ingredients for Devilled Sausages
To make delicious devilled sausages in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Sausages: You will need around 6-8 sausages, depending on the size and type you prefer. You can use beef, pork, or chicken sausages according to your taste.
2. Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped.
3. Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
4. Bell peppers: 2 bell peppers, red or green, thinly sliced.
5. Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
6. Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
7. Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
8. Mustard: 1 tablespoon of mustard, preferably Dijon.
9. Beef stock: 1 cup of beef stock or broth.
10. Salt and pepper: To taste.
Note: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and flavorings according to your preferences.
Steps to Prepare the Devilled Sausages
To make delicious devilled sausages in a slow cooker, follow these simple steps:
1. Gather the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You will need:
- 6 sausages
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
2. Prepare the Sausages
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the sausages until they are browned on all sides. Transfer the sausages to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same frying pan, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Cook the Devilled Sausages
Cover the slow cooker and cook the sausages on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sausages to become tender.
Once the sausages are cooked, serve them hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Enjoy!
Tips for Cooking Devilled Sausages in a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a great tool for cooking devilled sausages. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your slow cooker and create a delicious and flavorful dish:
1. Choose the right sausages:
When cooking devilled sausages in a slow cooker, it’s important to choose the right type of sausage. Opt for sausages that are of good quality and have a balance of flavors. Beef or pork sausages work well, but you can also try chicken or vegetarian sausages if you prefer.
2. Brown the sausages:
Before adding the sausages to the slow cooker, it’s a good idea to brown them first. This helps to enhance the flavor and gives them a nice caramelized exterior. Simply heat a frying pan with a little oil and cook the sausages until they are browned on all sides. Then, transfer them to the slow cooker.
3. Use the right amount of liquid:
Sausages release a lot of fat and juices as they cook, so it’s important to use the right amount of liquid in the slow cooker. Typically, you’ll want to add some beef or vegetable broth to the cooker along with any other liquid ingredients in your recipe. This will help create a flavorful sauce for the sausages.
4. Add flavoring ingredients:
To make your devilled sausages more flavorful, you can add various ingredients to the slow cooker. This can include diced onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and spices like paprika or chili powder. Experiment with different combinations to find the flavors you enjoy the most.
5. Cook on low heat:
Devilled sausages are best cooked on low heat in a slow cooker. This allows the flavors to develop slowly and gives the sausages a tender and succulent texture. Cooking on high heat can result in the sausages becoming dry and tough.
6. Finish with a thickener:
If you prefer a thicker sauce for your devilled sausages, you can add a thickener towards the end of the cooking process. This can be a mixture of cornstarch and water or a flour and butter roux. Just whisk the thickener into the sauce and let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
By following these tips, you can create delicious and flavorful devilled sausages using your slow cooker. Enjoy the convenience of this hands-off cooking method and savor the mouthwatering results!
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Devilled Sausages
Cooking devilled sausages in a slow cooker offers several benefits that can greatly enhance your cooking experience.
1. Convenience
Using a slow cooker to prepare devilled sausages is incredibly convenient. Simply toss the ingredients into the pot, set the desired cooking time, and let the slow cooker do the work. This allows you to multitask or go about your day while your meal cooks slowly and evenly. No need to constantly monitor or adjust the heat, as the slow cooker maintains a steady, low temperature throughout the cooking process.
2. Enhanced Flavors
Cooking devilled sausages in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more complex and delicious dish. The slow cooking process allows the sausages to become tender and juicy, while also allowing the flavors of the spices and other ingredients to develop and intensify. The result is a mouthwatering meal that is bursting with flavor.
3. Cost-effective
Using a slow cooker to make devilled sausages is a cost-effective choice. Slow cookers are energy-efficient, using minimal electricity to cook your food over a long period of time. This can help reduce your overall energy costs compared to using conventional cooking methods.
4. Healthier Option
Cooking devilled sausages in a slow cooker can be a healthier option compared to other cooking methods. The slow cooking process allows the excess fat to drain away from the sausages, resulting in a leaner final dish. Additionally, the slow cooker retains the nutrients in the ingredients better than methods such as frying or boiling, ensuring that you get the maximum nutritional value from your meal.
In summary, using a slow cooker to make devilled sausages offers convenience, enhances flavors, is cost-effective, and can be a healthier cooking option. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal!
Serving Suggestions for Devilled Sausages
Devilled sausages are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to complement its rich and tangy flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your devilled sausage meal:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Pair your devilled sausages with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal. The smooth texture of the mashed potatoes balances out the spiciness of the sausages. You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley or grated cheese on top for added flavor.
2. Steamed Vegetables
For a healthier option, serve your devilled sausages with a side of steamed vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, and green beans work particularly well with the spicy flavors of the sausages. The vibrant colors of the vegetables also add visual appeal to the dish.
3. Rice
Devilled sausages can be served over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling and satisfying meal. The mild flavor of the rice complements the bold spiciness of the sausages, creating a perfect balance of flavors. You can also add some peas or corn to the rice for added texture.
4. Fresh Salad
If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve your devilled sausages with a fresh salad. The crispness of the salad greens, along with the juiciness of tomatoes and cucumbers, provides a refreshing contrast to the flavors of the sausages. A tangy vinaigrette dressing can tie the flavors together.
5. Crusty Bread
Devilled sausages are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with some crusty bread on the side. The bread can be used to mop up the flavorful sauce or as a vessel to make mini sausage sandwiches. Choose a rustic loaf or rolls for added texture.
These serving suggestions can help you create a well-rounded meal with devilled sausages as the star. Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy exploring different combinations to discover your favorite way to serve this delightful dish!
Questions and answers
What ingredients do I need to cook devilled sausages in a slow cooker?
To cook devilled sausages in a slow cooker, you will need sausages, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and beef stock.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausages?
Yes, you can use a different type of meat such as chicken or beef instead of sausages. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long does it take to cook devilled sausages in a slow cooker?
It usually takes around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat to cook devilled sausages in a slow cooker. However, cooking times may vary, so it’s important to check the sausages for doneness before serving.
Can I add vegetables to the devilled sausages?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes to the devilled sausages for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make devilled sausages in a slow cooker overnight?
Yes, you can make devilled sausages in a slow cooker overnight. Just set the slow cooker to low heat and cook them for 6-8 hours. However, it’s important to ensure that the sausages are fully cooked and safe to eat before serving.
