If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically makes itself, then the Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Picture perfectly browned Italian sausages bubbling away next to sweet, tender bell peppers and onions, all steeped in a rich marinara sauce that’s bursting with Italian seasoning. This dish combines vibrant colors, bold flavors, and effortless cooking into one pot of pure deliciousness that’s ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re new to slow cookers or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe serves a purpose, coming together to create a symphony of taste, texture, and color. From the savory Italian sausage to the sweet bell peppers and aromatic garlic, each element adds depth and vibrancy to the final dish.
- Italian sausage links (2 packages, 19 ounces each): Opt for quality sausages to ensure juicy, flavorful results that anchor the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for searing the sausages, it locks in flavor and creates that perfect crispy exterior.
- Bell peppers (6, mixed colors, sliced): The mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds sweetness and eye-catching color.
- Onions (2, sliced): They soften and caramelize slightly, bringing a natural sweetness that balances the savory sausage.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Garlic infuses the entire dish with its fragrant warmth and depth.
- Marinara sauce (1 1/2 cups): The tomato-based sauce is the perfect base, tying all ingredients together with rich, herby goodness.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of herbs that elevates the dish with authentic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Sausage Links
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Give those Italian sausage links a good sear, cooking them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful brown crust. This little extra step is what really locks in the flavor and texture, elevating the entire dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
While the sausages are sizzling, get your peppers, onions, and garlic ready by slicing and mincing. Add these directly into your slow cooker, then pour in the marinara sauce. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top, creating a fragrant and colorful layer that will steam and meld during cooking.
Step 3: Add the Sear to the Slow Cooker
Once your sausage links have that satisfying brown crust, nestle them right on top of your vibrant vegetable and sauce mixture in the slow cooker. This layering keeps the sausages juicy while allowing the flavors below to infuse them perfectly.
Step 4: Cooking Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and let magic happen—cook for 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high. During this time, the onions and peppers will soften into tender sweetness, and the sausages will cook through fully, soaking up the marinara’s herbs and spices.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Before serving, give everything a thorough stir to mix the sausages, vegetables, and sauce evenly. For an extra touch, consider warming some crusty bread or hot dog buns to scoop up all the delicious sauce and savor every bite of this slow-cooked goodness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a pop of color and even more flavor contrast to this dish. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves right on top. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a grating of Parmesan cheese also makes a wonderful finishing touch that complements the savory sausage and sweet peppers.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of creamy polenta, alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, or even directly on toasted hoagie buns for a hearty sandwich. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables round out the meal beautifully, cutting through the richness and balancing flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Present the sausage and peppers as a filling for soft tacos or atop freshly cooked pizza dough to replicate a classic sausage and pepper pizza. You can also stuff the mixture into bell peppers or use it as a savory pasta sauce for a quick weeknight dinner twist. The possibilities are exciting and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making for convenient, flavorful meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes beautifully. Just portion out the sausage and peppers into freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge by the time you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick, satisfying meal. Just add a splash of water or extra marinara to keep things juicy and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage offers classic flavor, you can swap in chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even spicy chorizo depending on your taste and dietary preferences. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Do I need to sear the sausages first?
Searing the sausages before adding them to the slow cooker isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It develops deeper flavor, adds a tasty crust, and prevents the sausages from breaking apart during cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based sausages or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant to replace the sausage. The peppers, onions, and marinara sauce still make a flavorful base that works well as a vegetarian main.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe?
The traditional Italian sausage adds mild to medium spice depending on the variety you buy. If you prefer less heat, choose sweet Italian sausage or reduce the seasoning. You can always add hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No worries! You can make this on the stovetop in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown the sausages, sauté the veggies, then add sauce and simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until everything is tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its simplicity, vibrant flavors, and make-ahead ease make it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over to share that delicious, comforting magic with those you love.
Print
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Tender bell peppers and onions simmer alongside savory Italian sausage in a rich marinara sauce, creating a comforting and delicious dish with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 2 (19-ounce) packages Italian sausage links
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (to sear links)
Vegetables & Sauce
- 6 bell peppers (mix of colors, sliced into strips)
- 2 onions (sliced into strips)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Sear the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Place the Italian sausage links in the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned and slightly crisped on the outside. This step enhances flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Crockpot Base: While the sausage is searing, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Sausage to Crockpot: Place the seared sausage links on top of the vegetable and sauce mixture in the crockpot, distributing them evenly.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. Cook until the peppers and onions are tender and the sausages are fully cooked through, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve: Before serving, stir the sausage and peppers gently in the sauce to combine. Optionally, warm hot dog buns to serve alongside for a classic presentation.
Notes
- Searing the sausage before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and texture but can be skipped if short on time.
- You can use sweet or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- For a gluten-free version, serve without buns or use gluten-free buns.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and make great sandwiches.
- Add a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce for added richness if desired.
