Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe: Cozy, Hands-Off Magic

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Tender Italian sausages mingle with sweet bell peppers and savory onions, creating a delectable blend of flavors.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing each bite with rich, deep taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Juicy sausages nestle perfectly among colorful peppers, releasing their aromatic spices throughout the dish.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Weeknight meals just got easier and more delicious – you’ll want to add this crowd-pleasing dish to your regular rotation.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Overview

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves you time and energy in the kitchen.
• Bursting with Flavor: Combine zesty sausages, sweet bell peppers, and rich marinara sauce for a mouthwatering dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weeknight meals that satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its hearty and comforting profile.
• Easy Clean-Up: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks who want delicious food without the kitchen cleanup hassle.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

• Italian Sausage: Hearty meat that provides the main protein and rich flavor for the dish.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that create a sweet and savory base for the sausage.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean taste to the recipe.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian character to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the sausages and adding a smooth, rich undertone to the initial cooking process.

Preparation Steps for Sausage and Peppers

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Sausages

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place sausages in the pan and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust on each side.

This step helps seal in the flavors and creates a delicious exterior.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetable Base

• Bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow)
• Onions
• Garlic cloves
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss all these ingredients together in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re evenly coated with seasonings.

Step 3: Add Saucy Goodness

Pour marinara sauce generously over the vegetable mixture, making sure it covers the bottom of the slow cooker and coats the vegetables nicely.

Step 4: Combine Sausages and Vegetables

Transfer the beautifully browned sausages from the skillet and nestle them on top of the vegetable and sauce mixture in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Let the magic happen for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a mouthwatering meal that will make everyone’s stomach growl with anticipation.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

• Achieve a golden-brown crust by searing sausages in a hot skillet before slow cooking, which locks in flavor and creates an appetizing appearance.
• Cut bell peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Choose a robust, well-seasoned marinara sauce to enhance the overall taste and complement the sausages' rich flavors.
• Experiment with different Italian sausage varieties – mild, sweet, or spicy – to match your personal heat preference and create diverse meal experiences.
• Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier without falling apart.

Variations for Sausage and Peppers

• Vegetarian Hearty Option: Replace sausages with plant-based Italian sausage or firm tofu chunks, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free meal.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Swap marinara sauce with salsa, use poblano peppers instead of bell peppers, and add chipotle seasoning for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Skip marinara sauce, use diced tomatoes with green chilies, increase bell peppers and onions, and select high-fat sausage like andouille or bratwurst to align with keto dietary requirements.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Use chicken sausage, add kalamata olives, replace marinara with crushed tomatoes, and sprinkle fresh oregano and feta cheese before serving for a Mediterranean touch.

Serving Ideas for Sausage and Peppers

• Hearty Sandwich Delight: Slice sausages and peppers, pile onto crusty Italian rolls for a classic submarine-style sandwich bursting with flavor.
• Pasta Companion: Shred or chop sausages and serve over al dente pasta, spooning extra peppers and sauce for a comforting meal that feels like home cooking.
• Rice Bowl Remix: Layer sliced sausages and colorful peppers over fluffy white rice, drizzling remaining sauce for a quick and satisfying one-bowl dinner that brings bold Italian-inspired tastes.
• Polenta Topping: Spread creamy polenta on plates, then top with sausage and pepper mixture for a rustic, elegant meal that transforms your slow cooker creation into a gourmet experience.

Storage Tips for Sausage and Peppers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping sausages and peppers together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Transfer cooled mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with bratwurst, chorizo, or chicken sausage for variety and different flavor profiles.

• Do I need to cut the sausages before cooking?

No, keep sausages whole while browning and placing in the slow cooker to maintain moisture and prevent them from falling apart.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions to replicate the flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your marinara sauce and sausage ingredients. Many are naturally gluten-free, but always verify packaging to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Savory sausages and colorful bell peppers meld together, creating a deliciously simple meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) sausages – mildly spicy pork Italian sausage links

Vegetables:

• 3 bell peppers – one each of orange, yellow, and red (cut into strips)
• 1 large white onion (sliced into half moons)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) sea salt
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) black pepper
• 16 ounces (16 oz) marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Sear sausages in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown on all surfaces, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Layer colorful bell peppers, sliced onions, and minced garlic into the slow cooker, creating a vibrant vegetable base.
3. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables, ensuring even distribution of aromatic spices.
4. Drizzle marinara sauce across the vegetable mixture, coating the ingredients with rich, tangy flavor.
5. Carefully nestle the browned sausages into the vegetable and sauce mixture, allowing them to partially submerge.
6. Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until sausages are fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
7. Before serving, gently stir the contents to blend flavors and ensure even cooking, creating a harmonious and appetizing dish.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavors to elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Slice bell peppers and onions into consistent, medium-thick strips to ensure even cooking and prevent mushiness.
• Consider using homemade marinara sauce for a fresher, more personalized flavor that enhances the sausage’s richness.
• For a lighter version, choose lean chicken or turkey sausage and add extra herbs like fresh basil or oregano to maintain depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg