Crockpot Cajun Sausage & Potatoes

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Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy, comforting, and flavor-packed dish, this Crockpot Cajun Sausage & Potatoes is the perfect choice. It’s loaded with smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and bold Cajun seasoning, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a large family, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is a winner. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work, giving you a hands-off meal that’s rich in flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy Prep: Just chop, season, and let the crockpot do the work.
  • Bold Cajun Flavors: A perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and richness.
  • Feeds a Crowd: Makes a large batch for family meals or gatherings.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple and affordable ingredients.
  • Versatile: Can be customized with different meats and veggies.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs golden potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 lbs smoked sausage, sliced into rounds (Andouille, kielbasa, or your favorite variety)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced (red, green, or both)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cajun Seasoning Blend:

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy touch)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Wash and chop the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. No need to peel unless preferred.
  2. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds.
  3. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot

  1. Drizzle olive oil at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add the potatoes, sausage, onion, and bell pepper.
  3. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning blend evenly over everything.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, then give everything a gentle toss to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  2. In the last 30 minutes, add butter for extra richness.
  3. If making a creamy version, stir in heavy cream and let it heat through.

Step 4: Final Touches & Serving

  1. If adding cheese, sprinkle it on top and cover for an additional 5-10 minutes to melt.
  2. Garnish with green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve this dish as is for a complete meal.
  • Pair with a side of cornbread or buttermilk biscuits.
  • Add a side salad to balance the richness.
  • Serve over white rice or buttered noodles for an extra hearty meal.

Tips & Variations

Protein Variations:

  • Chicken: Swap sausage for diced chicken thighs or breast.
  • Shrimp: Add shrimp in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.
  • Vegetarian: Replace sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based alternative.

Vegetable Additions:

  • Corn: Add frozen corn in the last 30 minutes.
  • Zucchini: Stir in diced zucchini during the last hour.
  • Carrots: Add sliced carrots at the beginning for extra sweetness.

Heat Adjustments:

  • For extra spicy, add more cayenne and red pepper flakes.
  • For milder flavor, reduce the cayenne or use a mild sausage.

Thicker Sauce:

  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Make-Ahead: Prep all ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just dump everything into the crockpot and start cooking.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use raw sausage instead of smoked sausage?
Yes, but it’s best to brown raw sausage first to ensure it’s fully cooked and adds extra flavor.

2. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

3. How do I keep the potatoes from getting too mushy?
Cut them into larger chunks and avoid overcooking. Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better than russets.

4. Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the Pressure Cook function for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cajun Sausage & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky sausage, hearty potatoes, and bold Cajun spices. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

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