Best Ever Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentils (Ultimate Comfort Food)
I first made this Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentils recipe years ago on a truly miserable, rainy Sunday afternoon. We had planned a complicated roast, but the thought of standing over the stove just felt exhausting.
My solution? The trusty slow cooker! I threw together some Italian sausage, a bag of lentils, and simple pantry items. The aroma that filled the house hours later was pure magicâinstant *comfort food*.
If you need an incredibly easy dinner that feels hearty and luxurious but requires zero baby-sitting, this recipe is it. Itâs budget-friendly, healthy, and a total family favorite that we now rely on every fall.
â¤ď¸ Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Winner
- Maximum Flavor, Minimal Effort: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, developing incredible depth.
- Budget-Friendly: Lentils and sausage are economical staples that stretch far to feed a crowd.
- Hearty and Healthy: Packed with fiber, protein, and nutritious veggies like carrots and celery.
- Freezer Ready: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully for future meal prep.
- One Pot Cleanup: Almost everything cooks right in the crockpotâeasy cleanup guaranteed!
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! We use green or brown lentils here, as they hold their shape best during the long cooking time.
Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and equipment notes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Lentils
â Pro Cooking Secrets:
- SautĂŠ the Aromatics (Recommended): Taking 5 minutes to sautĂŠ the onions, carrots, and celery before adding them drastically deepens the flavor profile.
- Don’t Forget to Rinse: Always rinse your lentils before cooking to remove dust and debris. No need to soak them for this slow cooker method!
- Hold the Salt: Salt can sometimes toughen lentils if added too early. It’s best to add most of your salt (and pepper) about 30 minutes before serving, or right at the end.
- Add a Splash of Acid: A tiny squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar right before serving brightens up the rich, savory broth beautifully.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is super adaptable! Feel free to customize based on what you have on hand.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Skip the sausage entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add mushrooms or smoked paprika for depth.
- Spicier Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices.
- Greens Power: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Different Meats: Smoked ham hock, cubed pancetta, or sliced chicken sausage work wonderfully instead of Italian sausage.
Storage & Freezing
This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping!
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The lentils will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Freezer: Cool the soup completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving about an inch of headspace). It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak the lentils?
Nope! The long, gentle cooking time in the slow cooker ensures the lentils cook perfectly without pre-soaking. Just make sure to give them a good rinse.
What kind of sausage works best?
We prefer Italian sausage (mild or hot), but smoked sausage or kielbasa works wonderfully too. If using raw ground Italian sausage, brown it before adding it to the slow cooker for better flavor and texture.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Brown the sausage and aromatics in a large pot. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until lentils are tender.
Dinner is Served!
Whether you’re battling a busy weeknight or craving the ultimate comfort meal, this Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentils recipe is your new best friend.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later, and let me know in the comments when you try it!
Best Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentil Soup (Hearty & Easy)
Ingredients
- 1 lb bulk Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1 If using raw Italian sausage, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain off excess fat. If using pre-cooked sausage (like kielbasa), slice it into rounds.
- Step 2 If desired, sautu00e9 the onion, carrots, and celery in the same skillet for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add garlic during the last minute.
- Step 3 Combine the browned sausage (and sautu00e9ed veggies, if used), rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves in the slow cooker.
- Step 4 Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or until the lentils are completely tender.
- Step 5 Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir in red wine vinegar, if using, for brightness.
- Step 6 Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bulk Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or fresh parsley for garnish
