Slow Cooker Sausage & Leek Stew
Description
Slow Cooker Sausage & Leek Stew is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish made with juicy browned sausages simmered slowly with tender leeks in a savory broth. The slow cooking process allows the sausages to stay juicy while infusing the broth with deep, delicious flavor. The leeks become soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly complement the hearty sausages, making this dish ideal for cozy dinners or simple family meals.
Ingredients For the Main Dish:
6–8 sausages (pork or chicken)
2 large leeks (cleaned and sliced)
1 small onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Broth:
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
1 tbsp mustard (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a pan and lightly brown the sausages on all sides for extra flavor.
- Place browned sausages into the slow cooker.
- Add sliced leeks, chopped onion, and garlic around the sausages.
- In a bowl, mix broth, oil, salt, pepper, herbs, and mustard.
- Pour the mixture evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Stir gently once or twice during cooking if possible.
- Once done, sausages should be tender and leeks soft.
- Serve hot with bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
Always clean leeks thoroughly as they may contain dirt. Browning sausages enhances flavor but can be skipped. For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry in the last 20 minutes. Add potatoes or carrots for a complete meal.
Q: Can I use different sausages? Yes, any type works.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, use olive oil instead of butter.
Q: How to store leftovers? Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for later.
Servings & Nutrition
Serves: 3–4 people
Calories: ~350–450 kcal per serving
High in protein and fats, with moderate carbs depending on sides.
Benefits
High protein for energy and muscle support
Easy one-pot cooking
Budget-friendly and filling
Great for meal prep and leftovers