3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Papa’s Plate
This simple 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Papa’s Plate is a comforting, hearty meal made with tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and flavorful onion soup mix. Everything cooks slowly together until the potatoes are soft and the sausage releases its delicious smoky flavor. It is an easy, budget-friendly dinner that requires very little preparation.
Recipe Information
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
– Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
– Servings: 4–6
– Course: Main Course
– Cuisine: American
– Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Ingredients
– 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
– 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
– 1 packet (about 1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry and cut them in half. If using larger potatoes, cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage
Slice the smoked sausage into approximately ½-inch rounds. You can use beef, pork, or turkey smoked sausage according to your preference.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker if desired. Place the potatoes at the bottom, followed by the sliced smoked sausage.
Step 4: Add the Onion Soup Mix
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the potatoes and sausage. Toss gently to distribute the seasoning.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potato pieces and your slow cooker.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Pierce a potato with a fork. It should be tender and easy to pierce. Make sure the sausage is thoroughly heated. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the potatoes and sausage onto serving plates. Drizzle a little of the flavorful cooking liquid over the top and serve warm.
Enjoy this simple, hearty meal with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or dinner rolls.
Questions & Answers
Q1: What is Papa’s Plate?
Papa’s Plate is a simple, hearty slow cooker meal made with potatoes, smoked sausage, and onion soup seasoning. It is a convenient comfort-food dinner.
Q2: Why is this recipe called 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Papa’s Plate?
It uses just three main ingredients: potatoes, smoked sausage, and dry onion soup mix.
Q3: What type of potatoes works best?
Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, and red potatoes are excellent choices because they hold their shape during slow cooking.
Q4: Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes. Peel them if desired and cut them into evenly sized chunks. They may become softer and break apart more easily than waxy potatoes.
Q5: What type of sausage should I use?
Smoked beef, pork, chicken, or turkey sausage all work well. Choose your preferred variety.
Q6: Do I need to brown the sausage first?
No. The sausage can go directly into the slow cooker. However, browning it in a skillet beforehand adds extra flavor.
Q7: Do I need to add water?
Usually, no additional water is necessary. The potatoes release moisture during cooking, and the sausage adds flavor and juices. If your slow cooker tends to cook dry, you can add ¼ cup of broth.
Q8: Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
Yes. A small amount of chicken broth adds extra savory flavor.
Q9: Can I make this recipe with fresh onions?
Yes. Add one sliced onion for additional flavor, although this makes it a four-ingredient version.
Q10: Can I add garlic?
Absolutely. Minced garlic or garlic powder adds delicious flavor to the potatoes and sausage.
Q11: How long should I cook Papa’s Plate on LOW?
Cook for approximately 6–7 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Q12: How long should I cook it on HIGH?
Cook for approximately 3–4 hours, checking the potatoes near the end of the cooking time.
Q13: Why are my potatoes still hard?
They may be too large or need additional cooking time. Cut them into smaller, evenly sized pieces and continue cooking until tender.
Q14: Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes. Frozen potato chunks can be used, but their texture may be softer. Adjust the cooking time as needed and ensure they are heated thoroughly.
Q15: Can I add carrots?
Yes. Add peeled and sliced carrots for extra color and flavor. Place them near the bottom of the slow cooker.
Q16: Can I add bell peppers?
Absolutely. Sliced red, green, or yellow bell peppers make a delicious addition.
Q17: Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes. Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or spicy smoked sausage.
Q18: Can I add cheese?
Yes. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the finished dish and cover for a few minutes until melted.
Q19: Is onion soup mix very salty?
Some packaged onion soup mixes contain a significant amount of sodium. Choose a reduced-sodium version if preferred, and avoid adding extra salt until you taste the finished dish.
Q20: Can I make my own onion seasoning?
Yes. Combine dried minced onion, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried parsley, and a small amount of salt.
Q21: Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes. Wash and cut the potatoes and slice the sausage ahead of time. Store them separately in covered containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Q22: Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Double the ingredients if your slow cooker has enough capacity. Avoid filling it beyond the manufacturer’s recommended level.
Q23: How should I store leftovers?
Allow the food to cool slightly and refrigerate it in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3–4 days.
Q24: Can I freeze Papa’s Plate?
Yes. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for best quality. The potatoes may become softer after thawing.
Q25: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in short intervals until thoroughly hot.
Q26: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes. Place the ingredients in a covered baking dish with a little broth and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the potatoes are tender, approximately 45–60 minutes depending on their size.
Q27: Can I make Papa’s Plate in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Use the pressure-cook setting with an appropriate amount of liquid according to your appliance instructions. Cooking time will depend on the potato size and sausage type.
Q28: What can I serve with this meal?
Green beans, steamed broccoli, coleslaw, garden salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread are excellent side dishes.
Q29: Is this recipe suitable for meal preparation?
Yes. Divide the cooked potatoes and sausage into individual containers for convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Q30: Can I use turkey sausage to make it lighter?
Yes. Turkey smoked sausage is a good alternative to traditional pork or beef sausage.
Q31: How can I make the potatoes more flavorful?
Toss them with the onion soup mix before cooking and spoon some of the cooking juices over them before serving.
Q32: Is Papa’s Plate a good family dinner?
Absolutely. It uses inexpensive ingredients, requires very little preparation, and makes a filling meal that is easy to serve to the whole family.