There is something mighty comforting about a supper that comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and a trusty slow cooker humming away on the counter. This vintage-style summer sausage crumble dish leans into that old Midwestern habit of making a little meat stretch into a hearty, flavorful meal, and using frozen ground sausage crumbles makes it especially practical for busy days, church suppers, or casual company when you want good food without a fuss.
Serve these savory sausage crumbles over buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, or fluffy mashed potatoes to catch every bit of the rich sauce. A side of green beans, sweet corn, or a simple cucumber salad fits right in, and if you are feeding a crowd, a basket of warm rolls and a plate of sliced tomatoes make it feel like a full summer table.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Vintage Summer Sausage Crumbles
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 bag (24 ounces) frozen ground sausage crumbles
1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed tomato soup
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
1. Spray the inside of your slow cooker lightly if you like easier cleanup, then add the frozen ground sausage crumbles to the bottom of the crock.
2. Spoon the tomato soup over the sausage, then scatter the chopped onion and garlic powder across the top.
3. Place the cubed cream cheese on top, cover, and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice as the cream cheese melts and the sausage heats through.
4. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and the sausage is evenly coated. If the mixture seems thicker than you like, stir in a splash of water.
5. Serve hot over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, and spoon plenty of the sauce over each helping.
Variations & Tips
Make It Heartier: Stir in a can of drained mushrooms or a cup of frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking if you want to stretch the dish a little farther for a bigger family meal.
Old-Fashioned Flavor: A pinch of black pepper or a small shake of paprika adds a little extra depth without changing the simple five-ingredient spirit of the dish too much.
For Easier Serving: If you plan to set this out for guests, keep the slow cooker on WARM and give it a good stir now and then so the sauce stays smooth and creamy.
Budget Pantry Swap: If you do not have tomato soup on hand, condensed cream of mushroom soup gives the dish a different but still very comforting supper-table flavor.