Slow Cooker Beef Sausage is a delightful way to transform your meal prep. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy tender beef sausage, cheesy tortellini, and nutritious spinach without the fuss. Just set it and forget it while the slow cooker does the magic. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Sausage

This recipe for slow-cooked beef sausage offers numerous reasons to love it. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare; simply combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic. Second, it’s versatile, allowing for variations like beef sausage casserole in a slow cooker or slow cooker beef sausage with vegetables. Third, it’s a hearty meal packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great option for a healthier slow cooker beef sausage meal. Lastly, its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a perfect fit for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. Plus, this dish is classified as Italian cuisine, fitting perfectly into a low-calorie diet.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Sausage

Gather these items:

• Mild Italian-style beef sausage
• Spicy beef sausage (optional)
• Raw bulk sausage or pre-cooked sausage links
• Fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini
• Frozen tortellini (optional)
• Fresh baby spinach
• Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry, optional)
• Chicken broth or stock
• Vegetable broth (optional)
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (optional)
• Crushed tomatoes (optional)
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Block of cream cheese
• Heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
• Full-fat coconut milk (dairy-free option)
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Sausage Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Brown the sausage and aromatics: If you’re using raw beef sausage, begin by browning it in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked through and nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the browned sausage, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the canned diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of warmth, and season with a good amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Slow cook to perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Step 4: Add creaminess and greens: About 30-45 minutes before you’re ready to serve, uncover the slow cooker. Add the cubed cream cheese (or heavy cream/half-and-half) and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Next, stir in the fresh spinach.
5. Step 5: Introduce the tortellini: Add the tortellini to the slow cooker. Stir it gently into the soup. Replace the lid and continue to cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Taste and serve: Give the soup a final taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with some crusty bread for dipping.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Sausage

Keep these in mind:

• This soup can be made with different types of sausage based on your preference.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with thawed frozen spinach.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Cooking on low ensures the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing your easy slow cooker beef sausage recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Sausage

There are numerous ways to enjoy your slow cooker beef sausage. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a delightful meal or serve it alongside a fresh salad for a balanced dinner. You can also create a beef sausage stew in slow cooker by adding more vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a hearty option.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Beef Sausage

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Remember, the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Sausage

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Beef Sausage?

The key is to brown the sausage and aromatics first, as this adds depth to the dish. Using fresh ingredients enhances the flavor, making your beef sausage in a slow cooker truly delicious.

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Sausage ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy a comforting meal. It’s an ideal choice for quick slow cooker beef sausage recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Beef Sausage?

Make sure not to overfill the slow cooker; it can cause uneven cooking. Additionally, avoid lifting the lid too often while it cooks, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature.

Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Sausage You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors! Consider adding slow cooker beef sausage and beans for added protein or a slow cooker beef sausage and peppers option for a delicious twist. You can also make homemade slow cooker beef sausage for a personal touch!

For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Homemade Tomato Sauce. If you’re interested in healthy options, consider Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.

Slow Cooker Beef Sausage: 5 Hearty Recipes to Love

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Sausage Tortellini Spinach Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that cooks itself while you go about your day. With tender beef sausage, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant spinach, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

---

Ingredients

• Mild Italian-style beef sausage
• Spicy beef sausage (optional)
• Raw bulk sausage or pre-cooked sausage links
• Fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini
• Frozen tortellini (optional)
• Fresh baby spinach
• Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry, optional)
• Chicken broth or stock
• Vegetable broth (optional)
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (optional)
• Crushed tomatoes (optional)
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Block of cream cheese
• Heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
• Full-fat coconut milk (dairy-free option)
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage and aromatics: If you’re using raw beef sausage, begin by browning it in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked through and nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute until fragrant.
2. Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the browned sausage, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the canned diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of warmth, and season with a good amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
3. Slow cook to perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Add creaminess and greens: About 30-45 minutes before you’re ready to serve, uncover the slow cooker. Add the cubed cream cheese (or heavy cream/half-and-half) and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Next, stir in the fresh spinach.
5. Introduce the tortellini: Add the tortellini to the slow cooker. Stir it gently into the soup. Replace the lid and continue to cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
6. Taste and serve: Give the soup a final taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with some crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

• This soup can be made with different types of sausage based on your preference.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with thawed frozen spinach.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg