Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
– Total time: Approximately 4½ hours
– Servings: 4–6
– Difficulty: Easy
– Cooking method: Slow cooker
Ingredients
Main ingredients
– 1½ lbs smoked sausage or kielbasa
– 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large yellow onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– ½ cup chicken broth
Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Garnish
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme
– Freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the sausage
Remove the smoked sausage from its packaging.
Slice into approximately ½-inch thick rounds.
For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the sausage slices for 2–3 minutes on each side.
This step is optional but helps develop a delicious smoky, caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the sweet potatoes
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
Cut them into evenly sized, approximately 1-inch cubes.
Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the onions and garlic
Peel and slice the yellow onion into medium-thick strips.
Mince the garlic cloves.
The onions will soften during cooking and add natural sweetness to the sausage and sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Prepare the seasoning mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
– Smoked paprika
– Italian seasoning
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Black pepper
– Salt
– Dried thyme
– Optional brown sugar
Mix everything together.
Step 5: Layer the slow cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart Crockpot with cooking spray or olive oil.
Add the sweet potato cubes to the bottom.
Arrange the sliced onions and minced garlic over the sweet potatoes.
Add the smoked sausage slices on top.
Step 6: Add olive oil and broth
Drizzle olive oil over the ingredients.
Pour in approximately ½ cup chicken broth.
Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture evenly over everything.
Gently toss or stir to distribute the seasonings.
Step 7: Slow cook
Cover the Crockpot with its lid.
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
Cooking time depends on the size of the sweet potato pieces and your slow cooker.
The sweet potatoes should become fork-tender without completely falling apart.
Step 8: Check and stir
After approximately 3–4 hours on LOW, gently stir the ingredients.
Check the sweet potatoes for tenderness.
If necessary, continue cooking until they are soft and the sausage is thoroughly heated.
Avoid stirring too frequently because this can break apart the sweet potatoes.
Step 9: Adjust the flavor
Taste the cooking liquid and adjust the seasonings.
Add additional black pepper, smoked paprika, or salt if desired.
If you prefer a thicker, glaze-like consistency, remove the lid for the final 15–20 minutes, provided your slow cooker instructions allow it.
Step 10: Garnish and serve
Transfer the sausage and sweet potatoes to a serving dish.
Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the top.
Add freshly ground black pepper.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This delicious sausage and sweet potato dinner pairs wonderfully with:
– Steamed green beans
– Roasted broccoli
– Fresh garden salad
– Garlic bread
– Buttered corn
– Coleslaw
– Steamed vegetables
– Dinner rolls
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 410 kcal
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 39 g
Total Fat 22 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Fiber 5 g
Sugar 11 g
Sodium 950 mg
Potassium 650 mg
Calcium 65 mg
Iron 2 mg
Vitamin A 12,000 IU
Vitamin C 15 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the sausage brand, ingredient quantities, and serving size.
Quick Nutrition Information (Q/S)
– Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision and immune function.
– Vitamin C: Sweet potatoes contribute vitamin C for normal immune function.
– Potassium: Sweet potatoes provide potassium, which supports healthy muscle and nerve function.
– Fiber: Sweet potatoes provide dietary fiber that supports digestion and fullness.
– Vitamin B6: Sweet potatoes contribute vitamin B6, which helps normal energy metabolism.
– Iron: Smoked sausage contributes iron, which helps transport oxygen in the blood.
– Protein: Sausage provides protein for muscle maintenance and repair.
– Vitamin B12: Meat-based sausage provides vitamin B12 for normal nerve function and red blood cell production.
– Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene and other beneficial plant compounds.
– Healthy fats: Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Cut sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes.
2. Choose smoked sausage or kielbasa for a rich flavor.
3. Brown the sausage before slow cooking for extra depth.
4. Do not add too much broth because sweet potatoes release moisture.
5. Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste.
6. Avoid overcooking to keep the sweet potatoes intact.
7. Add fresh herbs just before serving.
8. Taste before adding extra salt because smoked sausage can already be salty.
9. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes.
10. For extra vegetables, add bell peppers during the last 1–2 hours of cooking.
Delicious Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Cajun Sausage: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2. Honey Garlic Sausage: Add 1 tablespoon honey and 1 extra clove of garlic.
3. Sausage and Vegetable Dinner: Add carrots, bell peppers, and green beans.
4. Cheesy Sausage Sweet Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the finished dish.
5. Maple Dijon Sausage: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
6. Chicken Sausage Version: Replace smoked pork sausage with chicken sausage for a different flavor.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months for best quality.
– Reheating: Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth.
– Microwave: Heat in 30–60 second intervals until thoroughly hot.
– Meal prep: Divide into individual containers for easy lunches and dinners.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Included?
Peanuts No
Almonds No
Walnuts No
Cashews No
Pistachios No
Pecans No
Hazelnuts No
Other tree nuts No
No nuts intentionally added
Allergy note: This recipe contains no intentionally added nuts. Always check sausage, broth, and seasoning labels for allergen warnings and possible nut cross-contact.
Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Sausage and Sweet Potato Dinner!