Slow Cooker Sausage, Bacon & Potatoes
Some recipes are just made for busy days, and honestly, this Slow Cooker Sausage, Bacon & Potatoes is one of my favorites. It’s the kind of meal I usually make when I want something filling and comforting without spending hours standing in the kitchen.
The combination of golden baby potatoes, juicy smoked sausage, savory bacon, and sweet onions is incredibly satisfying. Everything cooks together slowly, allowing the flavors to blend into a rich, delicious meal.
I especially love that most of the work happens at the beginning. Once everything goes into the slow cooker, you can walk away and let it do its thing. By dinner time, the potatoes are tender, the sausage is flavorful, and the bacon adds that irresistible smoky taste.
If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker dinner recipe, this one is definitely worth adding to your regular rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into thick pieces
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the ingredients
Wash the baby potatoes well and cut larger potatoes in half. Smaller potatoes can be left whole if you prefer.
Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces and cut the bacon into smaller pieces. Slice the onion into thick strips.
2. Add everything to the slow cooker
Place the potatoes, sliced sausage, bacon, and onions into your slow cooker.
I usually add the potatoes first because they need the most cooking time.
3. Season well
Drizzle the ingredients with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the mixture.
Give everything a gentle toss so the seasonings are distributed evenly.
4. Slow cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on:
- LOW for 6–7 hours, or
- HIGH for 3–4 hours
The potatoes should be fork-tender and the sausage should be heated through.
5. Finish and serve
Once everything is cooked, carefully stir the mixture.
If you want more browned and crispy edges, transfer the sausage and potatoes to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until lightly golden.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Tips
Cut the potatoes evenly: Try to keep the potato pieces around the same size so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t add too much liquid: The sausage, bacon, and potatoes release moisture as they cook, so you only need a small amount of broth.
Brown the bacon first: If you have a few extra minutes, cook the bacon in a skillet before adding it. This gives the dish an even deeper smoky flavor.
Brown the sausage: For extra flavor, quickly sear the sausage pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.
Check the seasoning: Smoked sausage and bacon can already be salty, so I usually start with a small amount of salt and adjust at the end.
Want crispy potatoes? After slow cooking, spread the potatoes and sausage on a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes. Honestly, this little extra step makes a big difference.
Serving Suggestions
This meal is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side dish.
Try serving it with:
- A fresh green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Coleslaw
- Warm dinner rolls
- Garlic bread
For a simple family dinner, I usually serve it with a crisp green salad and let the sausage and potatoes be the star of the plate.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the sausage, bacon, and other ingredients used.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Sausage, Bacon & Potatoes recipe is exactly the kind of comforting meal I love having in my recipe collection. It uses simple ingredients, requires very little hands-on work, and produces a hearty dinner packed with smoky, savory flavor.
Honestly, the best part is how easy it is. Toss everything into the slow cooker, let it cook, and come back to a delicious meal ready for the family.
If you love easy one-pot dinners, smoked sausage recipes, and slow cooker comfort food, definitely give this recipe a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely. Smoked sausage, kielbasa, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage can all work well. Just remember that different sausages may have different cooking times and levels of salt.
2. Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are excellent choices. Cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook properly.
3. Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Yes. You can simply leave the bacon out. The sausage will still provide plenty of flavor. You can also add a little extra olive oil or butter if desired.
4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can chop the potatoes, sausage, bacon, and onions ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, add everything to the slow cooker and season as directed.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Allow leftovers to cool, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave, skillet, or oven until heated through.
