Slow Cooker Curried Sausages

Nothing beats the ease and satisfaction of a comforting, flavourful slow-cooked meal—and Slow Cooker Curried Sausages deliver all that and more. This Aussie classic transforms humble ingredients like sausages, carrots, and peas into a rich, savoury curry with a tender texture and depth of flavour that only slow cooking can provide.

Mildly spiced with Keen’s curry powder, thickened with flour, and optionally enriched with a splash of coconut milk, this recipe is perfect for the whole family—including kids. It’s budget-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and totally comforting.

Whether you serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or crusty bread, this dish is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Pop everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to the delicious aroma of dinner ready to serve.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

• 6–8 beef or pork sausages
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons mild curry powder (such as Keen’s)
• 2 tablespoons plain flour (to thicken the sauce)
• 2 cups (500ml) beef or chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce or fruit chutney (adds sweetness and depth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup frozen peas (add in last hour)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup coconut milk or cream (for a creamy finish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Brown the sausages (Optional but recommended)

Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and brown the sausages for 6–8 minutes until golden on all sides. You don’t need to cook them through—just give them colour. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly, then slice into thick chunks or leave whole based on your preference.

Tip: Browning adds rich flavour but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Sauté onion, garlic, and curry powder

In the same pan (use sausage drippings for flavour), add sliced onion. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and curry powder, and cook for another minute to release the fragrance.

Step 3: Stir in flour and liquids

Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir to coat the onions. This will help thicken the curry sauce. Slowly add the stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Then add tomato sauce or chutney and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Transfer to slow cooker

Place the browned sausages and sliced carrots into the bowl of your slow cooker. Pour the curry sauce over the top. Stir gently to combine. Cover with the lid.

Step 5: Slow cook

Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the sausages are tender and the carrots are cooked through.

Step 6: Add peas and optional cream

About 30–60 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. If using, pour in the coconut milk or cream for a creamy curry finish. Adjust seasoning with salt and cracked pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

Serve the curried sausages hot with your choice of sides and garnish with fresh parsley or coriander if desired.

Variation:

• Spicy Version: Add chilli flakes, fresh chilli, or use hot curry powder for a spicier version.
• With Coconut: Stir in coconut cream in the last hour for a tropical, Thai-style twist.
• Add Veggies: Include chopped sweet potato, green beans, or spinach in the last 30 minutes.
• Herby Touch: Stir through chopped coriander, parsley, or spring onions before serving.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based sausages and vegetable stock for a hearty meat-free option.

Cooking Note:

Keen’s curry powder is the traditional Aussie choice—mild, aromatic, and great for family dishes. If using a different curry blend, adjust to taste.

Browning the sausages beforehand adds extra flavour and helps reduce excess fat. However, if you’re in a rush, you can place raw sausages directly into the slow cooker—they’ll still cook perfectly.

Always check the seasoning before serving. Curry strength, salt content, and sausage flavours vary, so adjust with a dash of salt, pepper, or even lemon juice for brightness if needed.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Mashed Potato: Creamy mash pairs perfectly with the rich curry gravy.
• Over Rice: Serve over steamed basmati or jasmine rice to soak up all that flavour.
• With Bread: Scoop up the sauce with thick slices of crusty bread or garlic naan.
• Topped with Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh coriander or parsley adds freshness.
• With Pickles: Serve with tangy pickled onions or chutney for contrast.

Tips:

• Batch Cook: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners.
• Use Good Sausages: Choose high-quality beef or pork sausages for best flavour.
• Add Creaminess: Coconut milk adds creaminess without dairy, perfect for sensitive stomachs.
• Layer Wisely: Place sausages and veggies at the bottom, then pour sauce over for even cooking.
• Thicken Sauce: If sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornflour with water and stir in before final hour.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in sealed portions for up to 2 months. Let cool fully before freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave. Add water or stock to loosen sauce if needed.

Prep Time & Total Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Slow Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
• Total Time: Up to 7 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fat: 32g
• Fibre: 3g

(Nutritional values are approximate and vary depending on sausage type and added ingredients.)

FAQs:

Q: Can I cook this without browning the sausages first?
A: Yes. Browning adds flavour but isn’t essential. The sausages will cook through in the slow cooker.

Q: What type of sausages are best?
A: Thick beef or pork sausages work well. Avoid overly fatty or highly processed varieties.

Q: Can I use curry paste instead of curry powder?
A: Yes, but start with a small amount (1–2 tsp) as paste is more concentrated. Taste and adjust.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Not usually. Keen’s curry powder is mild. Adjust the amount or add chilli for heat.

Q: Can I prepare this the night before?
A: Absolutely. Layer everything (except peas and coconut milk) in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking in the morning.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Curried Sausages are the definition of hearty, no-fuss Australian comfort food. With tender sausages in a creamy, savoury curry sauce packed with flavour, this dish satisfies every time. Whether you’re after a filling weeknight meal or an easy slow-cooked Sunday dinner, it’s an affordable and delicious option the whole family will love.

Warm, mildly spiced, and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe worth bookmarking. Make it your own with cream, veggies, or a spicy kick—and enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked classic with very little effort.

Print