7 Simple Crockpot Sausage and Rice Recipes

The slow cooker is a beloved appliance in many kitchens due to its simplicity and versatility. If you're looking for easy dinner ideas, consider these seven sausage and rice recipes that not only are hassle-free but also deliver flavor-packed meals with minimal effort. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes will showcase how versatile sausage can be when paired with rice, spices, and other ingredients in a slow cooker.

Sausage and Rice Jambalaya

The classic Cajun dish, Jambalaya, is a staple in Southern cooking and transforms into a hearty stew when made in a slow cooker.

• 2 lbs sausage, sliced into 1-inch rounds
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 stalks of celery, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth

Steps:

1. Combine sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in your slow cooker.
2. Add tomatoes, rice, Creole seasoning, and broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

🍲 Note: For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or more Creole seasoning to taste.

Italian Sausage Rice

Bring the flavors of Italy to your dinner table with this comforting and aromatic dish.

• 4 Italian sausages (spicy or mild), casings removed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups chicken stock
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking it into pieces. Drain and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add onion, garlic, rice, chicken stock, tomatoes, basil, and oregano.
3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Spicy Southwest Sausage Rice

This recipe incorporates the bold flavors of the Southwest into a comforting one-pot meal.

• 2 lbs chorizo sausage, casing removed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup salsa

Steps:

1. In a skillet, cook chorizo, onion, and bell pepper until sausage is browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
2. Add beans, corn, rice, chili powder, broth, and salsa.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Chicken and Sausage Paella

Transform the classic Spanish dish into a slow cooker delight by combining chicken, sausage, and aromatic saffron rice.

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 lb sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups chicken stock
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in a skillet and transfer to slow cooker.
2. Add sausage, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, rice, saffron, stock, and paprika.
3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Add peas 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

🌿 Note: Traditionally, paella includes seafood, but you can substitute or add shrimp, mussels, or clams for an authentic touch.

Asian-Inspired Sausage and Fried Rice

This fusion dish adds an Asian twist to the classic comfort of sausage and rice.

• 1 lb Chinese sausage, sliced
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ³⁄₄ cups chicken broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped scallions
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 beaten eggs (for scrambling)
• 1 cup peas and carrots, mixed
• 1 tsp minced ginger

Steps:

1. Place sausage, rice, broth, scallions, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the rice is tender.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat, scramble the eggs, and add to the slow cooker. Stir in peas and carrots and ginger. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes.

🍤 Note: For a complete meal, consider adding prawns or chicken towards the end of the cooking time.

Sausage, Spinach, and Cheese Risotto

This dish offers a creamy and indulgent risotto experience with the ease of slow cooking.

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

Steps:

1. Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking it into pieces, and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add onion, garlic, rice, broth, wine (if using), Parmesan, and spinach.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Oktoberfest Sausage and Rice

Celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest with this comforting German-inspired meal.

• 2 lbs Bratwurst sausage, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 tbsp caraway seeds
• 1 tbsp mustard
• ¹⁄₂ cup sauerkraut

Steps:

1. Layer sausage, onion, garlic, rice, broth, caraway seeds, mustard, and sauerkraut in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

🍖 Note: For an authentic touch, consider serving with pretzels or German beer.

These slow cooker sausage and rice recipes are designed to bring convenience, flavor, and simplicity to your kitchen. They showcase the versatility of both sausage and rice, allowing you to explore different flavors and cuisines with ease. By letting the slow cooker do the work, you free up your time to enjoy your day, knowing that a delicious meal awaits you at the end. The key points to remember are the variety of flavor profiles you can achieve with simple ingredients, the ease of preparation, and the comfort these dishes bring to your dining table.