Introduction
Slow Cooker Sausages with Onions is the kind of simple, comforting recipe that turns everyday ingredients into something rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. The slow cooking process allows the sausages to become tender and juicy while the onions melt down into a sweet, flavorful sauce. It is perfect for busy days when you want a warm, hearty meal waiting for you at dinner time.
History
Sausages and onions have long been a classic pairing across many cultures. In Germany, sausages are often served with caramelized onions. In the United Kingdom, sausages and onions are commonly enjoyed in sandwiches or as part of a hearty pub meal. In the United States, slow cooker versions became popular as families looked for convenient, hands-off cooking methods that still delivered homemade flavor.
Ingredients
8 pork sausages (Italian, bratwurst, or smoked sausage)
3 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (if thickening)
Preparation
Slice the onions into thin strips.
Mince the garlic.
For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the sausages for 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds deeper flavor and better texture.
Method
Layer half of the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the sausages on top of the onions.
Add the remaining onions and minced garlic over the sausages.
In a bowl, whisk together the broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, thyme, pepper, and paprika.
Pour the mixture evenly over everything in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the sausages are fully cooked and tender and the onions are soft and caramelized.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and allow the sauce to thicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal.
Spoon into toasted sandwich rolls for sausage and onion subs.
Serve over rice or buttered egg noodles.
Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Variations
Beer Version: Replace half of the broth with beer for deeper flavor.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausages.
Sweet and Tangy Version: Add sliced bell peppers and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
Benefits
High in protein
Budget-friendly ingredients
Minimal prep work
Perfect for meal prep
Family-friendly
Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings)
Calories: 320 to 400
Protein: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fat: 28 g
Values vary depending on sausage type used.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Sausages with Onions is a simple, hearty recipe that delivers big flavor with very little effort. The slow cooking process creates tender sausages and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth onions that pair perfectly with your favorite sides. It is a dependable recipe that works for weeknights, gatherings, or cozy weekends at home.