Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade: Easy Dinner Recipe

Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade is the comfort food recipe your busy weeknights have been waiting for. With just a few minutes of prep and six hours of hands-off cooking, this dish delivers tender sausages bathed in a sweet and tangy marmalade sauce. It’s my go-to recipe when I want a hearty, flavor-packed dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

I stumbled upon this shortcut cooking method when traditional sticky sausage casseroles were just taking too long. The slow cooker changes everything—it handles all the heavy lifting while I focus on my to-do list. You get the sticky, mouthwatering finish with way less effort. Trust me, your family will devour this one!

Why This Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker, and it does all the work.
• Saves time: No need to hover over a stove or oven constantly.
• Unbeatable flavor: The marmalade and mustard combo creates a sticky, caramelized coating.
• Budget-friendly: Dried cannellini beans and simple ingredients keep costs low.
• Perfect for meal prep: Freeze extras for easy midweek dinners.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade

Your trusty slow cooker is the star of this recipe. Look for a model that has a “low” and “high” temperature setting to manage the cooking stages perfectly. If you’re in the market for a new one, aim for a size that fits at least 6 quarts—it’s ideal for family meals like this.

You’ll also want a non-stick frying pan for browning the sausages first. If you don’t have one, a regular frying pan with a splash of oil works just as well. Bonus tip: Invest in a slow cooker with a timer function so it automatically switches to “warm” once the cooking time is up. That little feature is a game-changer for busy days!

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade

This recipe is made with just a handful of pantry staples, but each ingredient pulls its weight to create the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky.

• Marmalade: The star of the sauce, adding its signature citrusy sweetness. Use a seville marmalade for a more intense flavor.
• Wholegrain mustard: This brings a subtle tang and texture to the dish. Dijon can work in a pinch!
• Turkey sausages: Go for high-quality turkey sausages with minimal fillers—good meat makes a huge difference.
• Dried cannellini beans: They’re economical and develop a creamy texture during slow cooking, but you can use canned for convenience.

Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade at a Glance

• Servings: Serves 4
• Cook time: 6 hours
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade Ingredients

• 150g/5½oz marmalade
• 85g/3oz wholegrain mustard
• 200g/7oz dried cannellini beans, soaked and boiled (400g prepped weight)
• 2 red onions, cut into wedges
• 550g/1lb 4oz carrots, peeled and cut into long, chunky batons
• 8 turkey sausages
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade Instructions

1. Heat a non-stick frying pan over high heat and brown the turkey sausages on all sides. Set them aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix the marmalade and mustard with 500ml/18fl oz of water until smooth.
3. Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker: start with the prepared cannellini beans, then add the onions and carrots. Place the browned sausages on top.
4. Pour the mustard-marmalade sauce over the layers. Do not stir.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours.
6. If you’re home, give it a stir after about 4 hours. For a stickier finish, balance the lid slightly ajar and switch to high for the last 30 minutes.
7. Season to taste again before serving and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade

• Pre-browning the sausages locks in flavor and gives them a beautiful color.
• Use thick-cut carrots so they hold their shape during the long cooking time.
• Soak and boil your beans beforehand for food safety—this step is crucial if using dried!
• Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days to save prep time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.

Easy Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade Variations

• Chicken option: Swap the turkey sausages for chicken sausages for a lighter twist.
• Spicier version: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marmalade mix.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Use plant-based sausages and swap the beans with chickpeas.
• Fridge clean-out: Throw in extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers—it’s a great way to use up leftovers.

Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade FAQs

Can I use canned cannellini beans instead of dried?

Yes! Canned beans save time and skip soaking and boiling. Use 1½ tins (400g total).

Do I need to brown the sausages first?

Browning adds flavor and visual appeal, but you can skip it to save time. Just note the dish may be less rich.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, check the sausages and mustard labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the microwave in one-minute bursts, or simmer gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent sticking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit everything without overcrowding.

Ready to make your weeknight dinners stress-free? This Slow Cooker Sticky Sausages with Marmalade is the hero recipe you’ve been looking for. What’s your favorite time-saving kitchen hack? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to swap ideas!