Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers: A Hearty Italian-American Comfort Food
Indulge in a timeless classic with this incredibly simple yet flavorful crock pot sausage and peppers recipe. Featuring tender bell peppers and onions, succulent Italian sausage, and a rich, simmering tomato sauce, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker, bursting with authentic Italian flavors, and surprisingly wholesome. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family meal, it promises delicious results with minimal effort.
Sausage, peppers, and onions hold a special place in the heart of Italian-American cuisine. There’s an undeniable charm and deep satisfaction found in the robust flavors of this iconic dish. The sausage, whether pork or chicken, becomes wonderfully savory and juicy as it slow cooks. Meanwhile, the onions and vibrant bell peppers transform into sweet, perfectly tender bites, all harmonizing within a luscious, aromatic sauce. This is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth and flavor to any table.
Utilizing a slow cooker for sausage and peppers guarantees that every ingredient reaches peak tenderness and moistness without ever being overcooked. The gentle, prolonged cooking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify beautifully, resulting in a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with other methods. This makes dinner preparation astonishingly easy, transforming what could be a multi-step process into a simple “set it and forget it” affair. You absolutely have to experience the convenience and deliciousness of this slow cooker magic.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
This hearty comfort food is a regular in my kitchen, and for good reason. Here’s why this crock pot sausage and peppers recipe is destined to become one of your favorites:
- Effortlessly Easy: Cooking doesn’t get much simpler than this slow cooker sausage, peppers, and onions. The prep work involves just a few minutes of chopping. Once that’s done, you simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let it do all the hard work. No constant stirring, no worrying about burning, just perfectly cooked deliciousness ready when you are. It’s a true weeknight savior!
- Incredibly Versatile: One of the greatest attributes of Italian sausage and peppers is its amazing versatility. This isn’t just a single meal; it’s a foundation for countless culinary creations. While serving it as a main entree is always a hit, consider piling it high on crusty bread for a classic sandwich, stuffing it into wraps, or even tossing it with your favorite pasta for a complete dish. You can add it to omelets for a hearty breakfast, use it as a pizza topping, or even spoon it over baked potatoes or polenta. The possibilities are endless, making leftovers just as exciting as the first serving.
- Perfect for Meal Prep & Large Batches: The recipe provided is designed for 4 servings, but scaling it up is incredibly easy. Whether you’re feeding a larger crowd or planning for delicious meal prep throughout the week, your slow cooker can handle it. Simply double or triple the ingredients to fit your slow cooker’s capacity. The beauty of slow cooking is that you typically don’t need to adjust cooking times when increasing the batch size, making it a reliable choice for efficient cooking.
- Deep, Rich Flavor Development: The extended cooking time in the slow cooker allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. The marinara sauce absorbs the savory juices from the sausage, while the peppers and onions release their natural sweetness, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying flavor profile that’s truly comforting.
- Wholesome and Satisfying: Packed with nutrient-rich bell peppers and onions, and lean protein from chicken or pork sausage, this dish offers a balanced meal. It’s hearty enough to be deeply satisfying without feeling heavy, making it a great option for a healthy, fulfilling dinner.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients to create this hearty and healthy classic comfort food. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the very bottom of this page.
- Sausage Links: I prefer using Italian chicken sausage for a leaner option, but feel free to choose your favorite! Mild or spicy Italian pork sausage works wonderfully too, bringing its own unique flavor profile. Make sure they are whole links.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet and vibrant color.
- Red Bell Pepper: Offers another layer of sweetness and a beautiful contrast in color. You can also use green or orange bell peppers, or a mix of all colors for an even more visually appealing dish.
- Onion: A yellow onion is ideal for its balanced sweetness and robust flavor that holds up well during slow cooking. However, red or white onions can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key to building a strong flavor base. Do not skip this!
- Marinara Sauce: The quality of your marinara sauce makes a big difference here. Choose a good-quality brand that you enjoy, or use your favorite homemade marinara for the best results.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This is an entirely optional but highly recommended addition. A sprinkle of melty mozzarella takes this dish to the next level, especially when served in a sandwich.
How to Make Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
Prepare to be amazed by the sheer simplicity of this super easy sausage, onions, and peppers dinner. Here’s your straightforward guide to creating this comforting meal:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by thinly slicing your bell peppers and onion. Aim for consistent sizes to ensure even cooking. Once prepped, place these colorful veggies directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. They’ll form a delicious bed for the rest of the ingredients.
- Build the Flavor Base: Add the minced garlic on top of the sliced vegetables in the crock pot. Then, generously pour your marinara sauce over everything. Give it a good stir to ensure the vegetables are coated and the garlic is well distributed, setting the stage for the rich flavors to come.
- Add the Sausage: Carefully nestle the Italian sausage links on top of the pepper and sauce mixture. There’s no need to brown the sausage beforehand, as the slow cooker will cook them perfectly, allowing their flavors to infuse into the sauce.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your crock pot. Cook on the LOW setting for 3-4 hours, or until the sausages are thoroughly cooked through and the vegetables are wonderfully tender. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
- Optional Cheesy Finish: If you desire a luscious, melted cheese topping, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the cooked sausage and peppers. Replace the lid and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese for about 5 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and gooey. Then, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Perfect Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Elevate your crock pot sausage and peppers with these clever tips and exciting variations:
- Ensure Consistent Cuts: For the best texture and even cooking, take a moment to cut all your bell peppers and onion into similarly sized pieces. While the slow cooker is forgiving, uniform pieces will result in a more pleasant eating experience, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender.
- Customize Your Flavors: This recipe is incredibly adaptable! I’ve used red and yellow bell peppers along with Italian chicken sausage, but feel free to mix and match. Experiment with green or orange bell peppers, or add more if you love your veggies. You can also opt for spicy Italian pork sausage, sweet Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative to suit your dietary preferences or taste.
- Add a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, infusing your sausage and peppers with some spice is a fantastic idea. Stir in a teaspoon or two of crushed red chili flakes with the marinara sauce, or chop up a fresh jalapeño, serrano, or even a habanero pepper for a more intense heat.
- Boost with Herbs & Spices: While delicious on its own, a pinch of dried Italian seasoning, oregano, or basil can further enhance the Mediterranean flavors. Fresh basil added at the end, just before serving, provides a bright, aromatic finish.
- Consider Browning the Sausage (Optional): For an extra layer of caramelized flavor, you can sear the sausage links in a skillet for a few minutes on all sides before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a wonderful crust, though it’s not strictly necessary for a delicious slow-cooked dish.
- Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other complementary vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and texture.
What to Serve With Italian Sausage and Peppers
My absolute favorite way to savor crock pot sausage and peppers is nestled in a warm, crusty roll with a generous topping of melted mozzarella cheese, creating an irresistible sandwich. However, this hearty and delicious meal stands perfectly on its own as an entree. Here are a few side dishes and serving suggestions that wonderfully complement the rich flavors of this Italian classic:
- Bruschetta: The fresh, vibrant flavors of tomato and basil bruschetta offer a delightful contrast to the savory sausage and peppers.
- Copycat Crazy Bread: Soft, garlicky, and cheesy breadsticks are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible marinara sauce.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! The crispy, cheesy goodness of garlic bread makes an excellent companion.
- Italian Pasta Salad: For a lighter, refreshing side, a zesty Italian pasta salad adds a cool and tangy element.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a fresh, creamy, and crunchy balance to the rich main dish.
- Homemade Coleslaw: While not traditionally Italian, a creamy, fresh coleslaw can offer a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness.
- Creamy Polenta or Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve the sausage and peppers over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy mashed potatoes to absorb the delicious sauce.
- Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of steamed rice or quinoa can make this a complete and balanced meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious crock pot sausage and peppers for days to come. If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you have several convenient options:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until hot.
- Oven: For best results and to prevent drying out, cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Can You Freeze Sausage Peppers and Onions?
Absolutely! This Italian sausage and peppers recipe is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it ideal for future meal planning. Once the dish is entirely cooled, transfer it into a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw or defrost the dish completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using one of the methods described above. This makes healthy, homemade comfort food accessible even on the busiest days.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow cookers are truly indispensable kitchen appliances, simplifying the process of creating delicious, healthy, and comforting dinners. Their ability to transform simple ingredients into flavorful meals with minimal oversight is unmatched. If you loved this recipe, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic crock pot dinner ideas:
- Slow Cooker Pork Roast
- Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Crock Pot Chili
- Slow Cooker Jambalaya
- Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
3 hours
3 hours 5 minutes
4 servings
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Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausage links, chicken, pork, mild, or spicy
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 2-3 cloves for more flavor)
- 2 cups marinara sauce, high-quality recommended
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional, for melting
Instructions
-
Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the base of your slow cooker. Ensure they are evenly spread.1 yellow bell pepper,
1 red bell pepper,
1 onion -
Add the minced garlic and pour the marinara sauce over the vegetables. Stir gently to combine all ingredients in the sauce.1 clove garlic,
2 cups marinara sauce -
Place the Italian sausage links on top of the pepper and sauce mixture.4 sausage links
-
Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 3-4 hours, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Then, serve warm.
-
If you wish to add cheese, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the dish once cooking is complete. Replace the lid for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become gooey.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Notes
- Store any leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- To reheat from the fridge: use a stove over medium heat, microwave in 30-second intervals, or bake covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. If frozen, thaw completely before reheating.
- Feel free to use any combination of bell peppers and your preferred type of Italian sausage (chicken, pork, mild, or spicy).
- For an extra depth of flavor, you can briefly sear the sausage links in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker, though this step is entirely optional.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 19g |
Protein: 12g |
Fat: 13g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g |
Cholesterol: 36mg |
Sodium: 913mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 10g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
3 hours
3 hours 5 minutes
Dinner Recipes, Main Dish
Italian, American
4 servings
238
crock pot sausage and peppers, Italian sausage and peppers, sausage and peppers, sausage and peppers recipe, sausage peppers and onions, slow cooker recipes, slow cooker sausage and peppers, easy dinner, comfort food
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