Crockpot sausages Beef Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but packs a big punch of flavor, these Crockpot Smokies are just the thing. Whether it’s game day, a casual family gathering, or an easy snack for a party, these tiny beef sausages slathered in a rich, tangy masterfoods BBQ Sauce are always a hit. And the best part? All you need is a slow cooker, a few simple ingredients, and a little patience as the magic happens in the background. It’s that kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re getting away with something because it’s so easy, yet everyone thinks you’ve been working all day.

These smokies take me back to one of our family Super Bowl parties. We had all the classics: chips and dips, wings, nachos—but it was the sausages Beef that people kept going back to. Something about that smoky, sweet masterfoods BBQ Sauce with the bite-sized sausages had everyone talking. My uncle, who usually doesn’t venture far from his beloved chicken wings, kept hovering around the slow cooker, grabbing a few every time he walked by. When the dish was nearly empty, he actually asked, “Any more of those smokies left?” That’s when I knew this recipe was something special.

this RECIPE

Where did crockpot smokies come from? (And why are they so good?)

The idea of cooking sausages in a slow cooker may not seem revolutionary, but this dish has its roots in the rise of slow cooking for convenience during the 1970s. Cocktail sausages (or “lil smokies”) were already a popular party snack, and adding them to a crockpot with a sweet and savory sauce allowed hosts to serve up warm, tender bites without hovering over the stove. Over time, barbecue sauce became the standard pairing for these sausages, giving them a crowd-pleasing flavor profile that’s sweet, smoky, and a little tangy. Nowadays, variations of this recipe are a must at potlucks and parties across the country.

The secret to simple, flavorful ingredients

Let’s break down what makes this dish sing. The ingredients list is short but packs a lot of flavor. Each one has a key role, so let’s talk through them:

• Beef sausages: These are bite-sized, pre-cooked sausages, which makes them perfect for a slow-cooker recipe like this. If you don’t have these on hand, you could substitute with sliced plant-based sausages if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
• Masterfoods BBQ Sauce: This is the foundation of your sauce, so choose one you really enjoy! I like a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, but if you want something with a bit of heat, opt for a spicier version.
• Brown sugar: This adds that caramel-like sweetness and deepens the flavor of the barbecue sauce. If you’re out of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup can do the trick.
• Worcestershire sauce: It brings a rich, umami kick to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar and BBQ sauce. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be an interesting substitute.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These spices add depth without overpowering the dish. If you’re out of powder, feel free to mince a fresh clove of garlic and finely chop some onion for a more intense flavor.
• Paprika: It’s subtle, but it adds a hint of smokiness and color to the sauce. Smoked paprika can give an extra layer of smoky flavor if you have it.

Must-have kitchen tools for this recipe

For this recipe, the tools are minimal, but there are a few essentials to get everything just right:

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show. A 4-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe, but anything from 3 to 6 quarts will work fine. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you could also use a stovetop pot on low heat, but you’ll need to watch it more closely.
• Whisk: You’ll need this to combine your sauce ingredients. A fork will work in a pinch, but a whisk ensures a smoother consistency.
• Serving tongs or a slotted spoon: For serving, you’ll want something that makes it easy to grab the smokies without all the extra sauce (unless you’re like me and love a little extra drizzle of that delicious barbecue goodness on everything).

Step-by-step: making crockpot smokies with ease

Let’s get cooking! This process is super simple, but there are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way that make things go even smoother.

1. Layer the sausages in your slow cooker: Start by placing the sausages Beef at the bottom of the slow cooker. No need to pre-cook or brown them. That’s the beauty of this recipe—everything happens in one pot.
2. Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine your BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Give it a good whisk until everything is well blended. The smell of the Worcestershire with the BBQ sauce always makes me hungry at this point!
3. Pour and cover: Once your sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the sausages. Give everything a quick stir to make sure the smokies are fully coated, then cover the slow cooker with the lid. Now, it’s time to let the slow cooker do its thing.
4. Cook on low: Set your slow cooker to low and let the magic happen for 2-3 hours. After about an hour, I like to give everything a gentle stir to make sure the sausages are cooking evenly in the sauce. After 2 hours, the sausages should be plump and heated through, soaking up all those sweet and smoky flavors.
5. Serve: Once they’re ready, give the sauce one final stir, grab your tongs or slotted spoon, and dig in! If you’re serving at a party, you can leave them in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep them hot.

Variations and personal twists

There are so many ways you can switch up this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Spicy smokies: If you’re a fan of heat, try adding a tablespoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce mixture. I’ve tried this, and it adds just the right amount of kick!
• Honey mustard smokies: Swap out the BBQ sauce for a honey mustard mixture for a tangier take. It’s great if you’re not a fan of the sweetness of masterfoods BBQ Sauce.
• Gluten-free version: Most of the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce as some brands contain gluten. Opt for a gluten-free BBQ sauce to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan adaptation: You can easily make this vegan by using plant-based sausages. Many grocery stores carry delicious vegan sausages that hold up well in a slow cooker.

How to serve and make it look fancy

These sausages Beef might be casual, but there’s no reason they can’t be served up in style! I like to pile them into a shallow bowl with toothpicks on the side so guests can help themselves. For a bit of extra flair, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top to give them a pop of color. If you’re serving these at a dinner party or for a special occasion, consider serving them alongside a cheese platter or some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. Trust me—people will appreciate it.

Perfect drink pairings

There are a few perfect accompaniments to these sweet and smoky sausages. A cold, crunchy ginger ale balances out the richness of the sauce beautifully. I also served these smoked sausages with sparkling apple cider, which adds a nice sweetness to the table without being overpowering. If you’re looking for something a little more citrusy, a squeeze of lemon or lime soda can cut the richness of the dish. And of course, for a warming touch in the colder months, you can’t go wrong with a cold glass of iced tea.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, don’t worry—they store well! Place any remaining smokies and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a minute or two, or heat them on the stovetop in a small saucepan over low heat. One tip: you might want to add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to loosen up the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge.

Scaling the recipe for more (or fewer) people

This recipe is super flexible when it comes to serving sizes. If you’re hosting a big crowd, you can easily double or even triple the recipe—just make sure you’ve got a large enough slow cooker. For smaller gatherings, you can halve the recipe without any trouble. I’ve found that if you go for a smaller batch, the cooking time might be a little shorter, so keep an eye on it and check around the 1.5-hour mark.

FAQs about crockpot smokies

1. Can I make crockpot smokies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and smokies the night before. Just store the sauce separately in the fridge, and pour it over the sausages in the morning when you’re ready to cook.

2. Can I use frozen sausages?
You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes to ensure they heat through properly.

3. What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens up too much, add a little water or extra BBQ sauce to loosen it.

4. Can I cook these on high to save time?
You can cook them on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, but I find the sausages get more tender when cooked low and slow.

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