Easy Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil (Printable Version)
Savory sausage and lentils slow-cooked with fresh veggies and herbs for a warm, nourishing meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat
01 -
1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed (mild or hot)
→ Legumes
02 -
1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 -
1 medium onion, diced
04 -
3 medium carrots, diced
05 -
2 celery stalks, diced
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
2 cups fresh spinach, optional
→ Canned Goods
08 -
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
→ Liquids
09 -
6 cups chicken broth
10 -
1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
→ Spices and Seasonings
11 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 -
1 bay leaf
15 -
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, crumble it, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
02 -
Transfer browned sausage to slow cooker. Add lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
03 -
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until lentils and vegetables are tender.
04 -
Remove bay leaf. Stir in fresh spinach if using; allow to wilt for 2 to 3 minutes.
05 -
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Browning the sausage enhances flavor but can be skipped to reduce prep time.