How long to cook raw sausages in slow cooker

Harrison Clayton February 10, 2024 2

Whether you are a busy parent, a working professional, or simply someone who enjoys preparing delicious meals with minimal effort, a slow cooker is a kitchen appliance that can make your life easier. Among the many dishes you can cook in a slow cooker, raw sausages are a popular choice. Cooking sausages in a slow cooker allows them to stay juicy and tender while infusing them with delicious flavors. So, how long does it take to cook raw sausages in a slow cooker?

The answer depends on the size and type of sausages you are cooking, as well as the heat setting of your slow cooker. Generally, it is recommended to cook raw sausages in a slow cooker on the low heat setting for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking method ensures that the sausages cook evenly and retain their moisture. However, if you are short on time, you can also cook them on the high heat setting for 2-3 hours, although the sausages may not be as tender.

Before placing the sausages in the slow cooker, it is essential to brown them first. This step adds color and flavor to the sausages, enhancing their taste. To brown the sausages, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook them for a few minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. After browning, transfer the sausages to the slow cooker, add any desired seasonings or ingredients such as onions or peppers, and allow them to cook according to the recommended time.

When cooking raw sausages in a slow cooker, it is important to check that they are cooked through before serving. The internal temperature of the sausages should be 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat. You can do this by using a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature or by cutting into one sausage to check that the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear. Once the sausages are fully cooked, you can enjoy them on their own, in sandwiches, or use them as a versatile ingredient in various recipes.

How to Cook Raw Sausages in Slow Cooker

The slow cooker is a convenient kitchen gadget for cooking a wide range of dishes, and it can also be used to cook raw sausages. This method of cooking sausages in a slow cooker is perfect for those who prefer a low and slow cooking method that results in tender and juicy sausages. Here are the steps to cook raw sausages in a slow cooker:

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Step 1: Choose the Right Sausages

Start by selecting the type of sausages you want to cook in the slow cooker. You can choose from a variety of sausages, such as pork, beef, or chicken, depending on your preference. Make sure the sausages are fresh and not past their expiry date. It’s also a good idea to opt for sausages without overly spicy or flavorful seasonings, as the slow cooking process can intensify the flavors.

Step 2: Preheat the Slow Cooker

Before you start cooking the sausages, it’s important to preheat the slow cooker. This helps ensure that the sausages cook evenly and at the right temperature. Set the slow cooker to low heat or the desired temperature according to your recipe or the recommended cooking time.

Step 3: Prepare the Sausages

While the slow cooker is preheating, you can prepare the sausages for cooking. If desired, you can pierce the sausages with a fork or knife to prevent them from bursting while cooking. You may also choose to brown the sausages in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker, although this step is optional.

Step 4: Add Liquid or Sauce

To avoid drying out the sausages and infuse extra flavor, consider adding some liquid or sauce to the slow cooker. You can add a few cups of broth, beer, or your choice of liquid to the slow cooker. Alternatively, you can use a favorite sauce or marinade to accompany the sausages.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Sausages

Once the slow cooker is preheated and the sausages are ready, carefully place them into the slow cooker. Ensure that they are fully submerged in the liquid or sauce if you’re using one. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and allow the sausages to cook for the recommended cooking time. Generally, raw sausages may take around 4-6 hours to cook thoroughly in a slow cooker.

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Step 6: Check for Doneness

After the recommended cooking time has passed, it’s important to check the doneness of the sausages. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the sausages reaches at least 165°F (74°C). This helps ensure that they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Once the sausages are cooked to your desired doneness, you can serve them as is, or you can place them on a preheated grill or under the broiler for a few minutes to brown and crisp the outer layer if desired.

Now you’re ready to enjoy delicious and tender sausages cooked using a slow cooker. Serve them with your favorite accompaniments and enjoy this hassle-free cooking method.

Step-by-Step Guide to Slow Cooking Raw Sausages

Slow cooking raw sausages can result in succulent and flavourful dishes. Using a slow cooker allows the sausages to cook slowly over a low heat, resulting in tender meat that is bursting with taste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook raw sausages in a slow cooker:

Choose your sausage: Start by selecting the type of sausage you want to cook. Whether it’s pork, beef, chicken, or any other variety, make sure the sausages are fresh and of high quality.
Prepare the sausages: If the sausages are in casings, you can choose to keep them as is, or remove the casings if you prefer. Prick the sausages with a fork to prevent them from bursting during cooking.
Preheat the slow cooker: Turn on the slow cooker and set it to the desired cooking temperature. Most slow cookers have low, medium, and high settings, so choose according to your preference. Preheating the slow cooker ensures that the sausages start cooking immediately.
Add liquid and seasonings: Pour a small amount of liquid into the slow cooker to keep the sausages moist during cooking. It could be water, broth, beer, or a combination of your choice. Add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs to enhance the flavor.
Place the sausages in the slow cooker: Arrange the sausages in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker, as this can affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked sausages.
Cook the sausages: Cook the sausages on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sausages and your slow cooker’s heat settings. Cooking slower results in more tender sausages.
Check the doneness: To ensure that the sausages are fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the sausages. It should reach a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork and poultry sausages, and 165°F (74°C) for beef sausages.
Serve and enjoy: Once the sausages are fully cooked, you can serve them as desired. They can be enjoyed on their own, with a side of mashed potatoes, in a bun, or as a part of your favorite dish.