Put raw sausage links in the slow cooker with just a few simple ingredients… and let the magic happen.
This is one of those back-pocket recipes that saves dinner on busy days, feeds a crowd, and makes your kitchen smell absolutely incredible with almost zero effort. No browning, no babysitting, no fancy steps—just dump, cook, and serve. And yes, it turns out juicy, flavorful, and tender every single time.
The Easiest Slow Cooker Sausage Links Recipe Ever
If you’ve never cooked raw sausage links in the slow cooker, you’re about to discover why so many home cooks swear by this method. The slow, gentle heat allows the sausages to cook through evenly while soaking up all the flavor from the ingredients around them.
This recipe is perfect for:
Busy weeknights
Game days & potlucks
Meal prep for the week
When you just don’t feel like cooking, but still want something amazing
Ingredients (So Simple It Feels Like Cheating)
You only need a few basic ingredients, and you can easily customize them:
Raw sausage links (Italian, smoked, bratwurst, chicken, or turkey)
1–2 large onions, sliced
1–2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
½ cup broth, beer, or water
Optional: garlic, BBQ sauce, mustard, or marinara
Salt & pepper (optional—sausages are already seasoned)
👉 That’s it. No oil. No pre-cooking. No mess.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Links (Step-by-Step)
Layer the onions and peppers on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place raw sausage links right on top. Do not pierce them.
Pour in the liquid (broth, beer, or water).
Add any optional sauce or seasoning if using.
Cover and cook:
LOW: 6–7 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
That’s all. Walk away and let the slow cooker do the work.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Juicy, never dry: The sausages cook gently in steam and juices
No browning needed: Safe and fully cooked in the slow cooker
Flavor-packed: Onions and peppers melt into a rich sauce
Beginner-friendly: Almost impossible to mess up
This method is especially great if you’ve ever struggled with sausages splitting, drying out, or burning in a pan.
Delicious Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Links
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some favorite serving ideas:
On toasted hoagie rolls with melted cheese
Over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
With rice or buttered noodles
Inside wraps or sandwiches
Alongside roasted vegetables
Chopped into pasta or casseroles
Leftovers? Even better the next day.
Easy Variations Everyone Loves
Want to switch it up? Try one of these popular twists:
BBQ Style: Add 1 cup BBQ sauce
Italian Style: Add marinara sauce and garlic
Sweet & Savory: Add sliced onions + a splash of apple juice
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot peppers
Beer Brats: Use beer instead of broth
This recipe adapts to whatever you have in your fridge.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
Freeze: Sausages freeze beautifully for up to 2 months
Reheat: Microwave or gently warm on the stove with a little sauce
Perfect for meal prep and busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
Putting raw sausage links in the slow cooker with just a few ingredients is one of those kitchen tricks that feels too easy to be this good. It’s comforting, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
If you try this once, it’s almost guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation. ❤️
Save it, share it, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe.
