Slow Cooker Sausage, Potato & Bacon Chowder Stew
Slow Cooker Sausage, Potato & Bacon Chowder Stew is a rich, hearty, and comforting meal packed with smoky bacon, savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy, flavorful broth. Everything cooks slowly in the crockpot, allowing the ingredients to blend into a delicious stew that tastes like homemade comfort food.
Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or family dinners, this easy slow cooker recipe requires minimal preparation and delivers plenty of satisfying flavor. Each bowl is filled with tender vegetables, smoky meat, and a creamy broth that makes every spoonful irresistible.
Ingredients
– 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes, slice the sausage, chop the bacon, and prepare the onion, carrots, and garlic.
2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving a little bacon fat for extra flavor.
3. Brown the sausage: In the same skillet, lightly brown the sausage slices for 2–3 minutes. This step adds a deeper, smoky flavor to the stew.
4. Fill the slow cooker: Add the diced potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, browned sausage, and most of the cooked bacon to the slow cooker. Save some bacon for garnish.
5. Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth. Add paprika, thyme, black pepper, and a little salt. Stir gently to combine.
6. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
7. Prepare the creamy mixture: About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
8. Make it creamy: Pour the cream mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently. Add the shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
9. Finish cooking: Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20–30 minutes, until the stew is creamy and heated through.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon and fresh parsley over each bowl. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Helpful Tips
– Brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
– Cook the bacon separately so it stays crispy for the topping.
– Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces to help them cook evenly.
– Use smoked sausage for a deeper, savory flavor.
– Add the cream mixture near the end to prevent dairy from separating during long cooking.
– If the stew is too thick, add a little warm chicken broth.
– For a thicker consistency, mash a few cooked potatoes directly into the stew.
Easy Variations
– Spicy sausage stew: Use spicy smoked sausage or add red pepper flakes.
– Cheesy version: Add extra cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
– Extra vegetables: Include celery, corn, peas, or diced bell peppers.
– Turkey sausage: Replace the smoked sausage with turkey sausage.
– Lighter version: Use evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
– Garlic lovers’ version: Add an extra clove of garlic and a little garlic powder.
What to Serve With This Stew
This hearty stew is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
– Warm crusty bread
– Garlic toast
– Homemade dinner rolls
– Fresh green salad
– Steamed green beans
– Roasted broccoli
– Buttery biscuits
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Allow the stew to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Cream-based stews can change texture after freezing, so freezing is not ideal. If you plan to freeze it, prepare the stew without the milk, cream, and cheese. Add those ingredients after thawing and reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if the stew has thickened. Heat until steaming hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw bacon directly into the slow cooker?
Yes, but cooking it first gives the stew better flavor and allows you to use crispy bacon as a topping. Raw bacon will remain softer in the stew.
What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or another fully cooked sausage works very well. Choose your favorite variety depending on how smoky or spicy you want the stew.
Can I leave the potato skins on?
Absolutely. Red potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes work especially well with their skins left on. Just wash them thoroughly before cutting.
Can I make this stew without heavy cream?
Yes. You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or whole milk. The stew may be slightly less rich.
How do I make the stew thicker?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes into the broth or add a little extra flour mixed with cold milk before the final cooking stage.
Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?
Yes. Chop the vegetables and slice the sausage ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator. For food safety, keep raw ingredients chilled and assemble the slow cooker shortly before cooking.
Printable Recipe Card
Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage, Potato & Bacon Chowder Stew
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH, plus 20–30 minutes for the creamy finish
Total Time: Approximately 7 hours on LOW
Servings: 6
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Main Ingredients: Smoked sausage, bacon, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese.
Instructions: Brown the bacon and sausage. Add them to the slow cooker with potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, broth, and seasonings. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Prepare a creamy butter, flour, milk, and cream mixture, then stir it into the stew. Add cheese if desired and cook until creamy and hot. Finish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Sausage, Potato & Bacon Chowder Stew is the perfect combination of smoky, creamy, and comforting flavors. Tender potatoes, savory sausage, crispy bacon, and a rich creamy broth make it a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.
With simple ingredients and the convenience of slow cooking, this delicious stew is an easy addition to your family dinner rotation. Serve it with warm bread and enjoy a cozy homemade meal!