My son made this yesterday and it was sooooo good.
1 pkg sweet italian sausage with or without casings
4 cloves garlic-chopped
1 can tomatoes chopped
Pinch red pepper (I'm allergic so I leave it out)
1 can tomato paste
1 onion chopped
2 stalks celery (optional)
A sprinkle of dried sage
salt and black pepper to taste
2 cans great northern or cannelini beans (do not drain)

Remove casings from sausage and cook in fry pan with 1 tblsp olive oil breaking it up as you go. Add the onion and celery and saute till transparent. Add to slow cooker along with all other ingredients. Cook for about 3 or 4 hours since all ingregients are already cooked. I served with cornbread or you could also serve with sour dough bread or other specialty bread. Really good.
I use my crock pots a lot and it saves a lot of time.