Few meals are as satisfying as a bowl of Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage. With tender chunks of meat simmered in a savory broth, every spoonful feels like pure comfort. The best part? You don’t have to babysit the pot. Your slow cooker handles the hard work, giving you deep, hearty flavor without hours of stirring. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this gumbo brings the taste of Louisiana straight to your table—warm, smoky, and full of love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll quickly fall for Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage, and here’s why:

Flavor-packed broth – A blend of onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup creates a rich, savory base.
Effortless prep – Just whisk, pour, and let the slow cooker do the magic.
Budget-friendly – Uses affordable stew meat and simple pantry staples.
Versatile serving options – Tastes amazing over rice, noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes.

This recipe proves that bold flavors don’t need complicated steps.

The Story Behind Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage

The roots of Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage come from Louisiana, where gumbo is a blend of cultures and flavors.

It combines French techniques, African ingredients, and Native American traditions.
Gumbo was often prepared in big pots to feed large families with simple ingredients.
The use of smoked meats like sausage brought depth and richness to the dish.
Today, slow cookers make it easier than ever to enjoy gumbo on busy days.

Key Ingredients in Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage

Stew meat – Becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of slow cooking.
Garlic – Adds depth and a fragrant kick to the broth.
Dry onion soup mix – Creates instant flavor layers with no fuss.
Beef broth – Forms the hearty base of the gumbo.
Ketchup – Lends subtle sweetness and tang.
Worcestershire sauce – Boosts the umami flavor profile.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce for a silky, gravy-like finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage

Layer the meat – Place stew meat in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Mix the sauce – In a medium bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, onion soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch.
Combine – Pour the mixture over the beef, ensuring everything is coated.
Cover and cook – Set the slow cooker on LOW for 7–8 hours, letting the flavors meld while the beef turns tender.
Check for doneness – The meat should be fork-tender and the sauce slightly thickened.
Serve and enjoy – Spoon over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage Tips and Twists

Tips for Success

Sear the stew meat first if you want an even deeper flavor.
Don’t skip the cornstarch—it gives the sauce a velvety texture.
Taste before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
Use low-sodium broth if you prefer a lighter salt profile.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for brightness.

Twists to Try

Add sliced sausage during the last hour for extra smoky flavor.
Stir in bell peppers and celery for more classic gumbo character.
Swap ketchup with tomato paste for a deeper, richer sauce.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the sauce mixture the night before. In the morning, just pour it over the beef in the slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to enjoy Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage:

Serve over white rice for the most traditional pairing.
Try it with wide egg noodles for a homestyle comfort feel.
Spoon onto creamy mashed potatoes for a stick-to-your-ribs dinner.
Add crusty bread or cornbread to soak up every last drop of gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of stew meat?
Yes! Chicken thighs cook beautifully in the slow cooker.

How can I make this spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or spicy sausage for extra heat.

Can I freeze gumbo?
Absolutely. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Do I need to brown the meat first?
Not required, but searing adds more flavor depth.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches.

Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage

This Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage brings together tender meat, a savory sauce, and the slow-cooked comfort you crave. It’s hearty, flavorful, and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or weekend family feasts. Once you try it, you’ll see why gumbo is such a cherished dish—it warms the soul as much as it fills the belly.

Explore More Recipes

Looking for more dishes to round out your meal? Try these favorites from our kitchen:

Pair with Roasted Broccoli and Carrots for a simple veggie side.
Add bread like Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Keep it cozy with another slow cooker favorite: Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.
End the meal with a sweet bite—Blueberry Cobbler is the perfect dessert.

Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage Recipe

This Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage is a hearty, comforting dish that’s simple enough for beginners. Tender beef, garlic, and savory broth simmer together to create bold Louisiana-inspired flavor. Serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a cozy family meal you’ll make again and again.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Cajun, Southern

Keyword chicken and sausage gumbo, crockpot gumbo, easy gumbo recipe, Louisiana comfort food, slow cooker gumbo

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 10

Servings 6 servings

Calories 360kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

2 lbs stew meat
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
3 tbsp garlic minced
1 1 oz package dry onion soup mix
2 cups beef broth
3 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp cornstarch
Cooked rice noodles, or mashed potatoes (for serving)
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish, optional

Instructions

Place stew meat in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, onion soup mix, broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch.
Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Garnish with parsley or green onions, if desired.

Notes

For deeper flavor in your Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage, brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker. For a twist, add sliced sausage in the last hour of cooking for a smoky kick.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 360
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 750mg