Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers is a savory, slow-cooked meal that brings hearty Italian comfort straight to your table with minimal effort. This dish combines juicy sausages with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a seasoned tomato sauce, all simmered gently in the crock pot for hours. The result is a rich, flavorful meal that’s perfect for feeding a family, hosting game day gatherings, or prepping meals in advance.

The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the sausage to soak up all the vibrant flavors of the peppers, onions, and garlic-infused sauce. It’s incredibly versatile too—serve it over hoagie rolls, pasta, rice, or polenta. With just a few simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, you can have a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight winner or a weekend comfort meal, Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers delivers big flavor with little fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking – Let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
2. Big Flavor, Minimal Effort – Just a few ingredients turn into a rich, hearty dish.
3. Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully for easy lunches or dinners.
4. Versatile Serving Options – Pile it on rolls, pasta, or grains to mix things up.
5. Family-Friendly – Mild, savory, and satisfying for all ages.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

Variations

Use Chicken Sausage

For a lighter option, substitute with chicken or turkey sausage.

Add Heat

Stir in red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a spicier version.

Cheesy Finish

Top with shredded mozzarella or provolone before serving for a cheesy twist.

No Tomatoes

Skip the tomato sauce and use broth or white wine for a different flavor profile.

Add Mushrooms or Zucchini

Toss in extra veggies during the last hour of cooking for a more complete meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Sausage (Optional)

In a skillet, brown the sausages in olive oil until lightly golden. This adds flavor but can be skipped for convenience.

Step 2: Layer in the Crock Pot

Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the bottom of the crock pot.

Step 3: Add Sausage and Sauce

Place sausages on top of the vegetables. Pour crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce over everything. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until sausages are cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot with your choice of side and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Sear sausages first for better texture and flavor.
• Cut peppers and onions into thick slices to avoid overcooking.
• Stir halfway through cooking if possible to evenly distribute sauce.
• Add cheese in the last 10 minutes if you want a melted topping.
• Use a liner in your slow cooker for easier cleanup.

How to Serve

• Serve in toasted hoagie rolls for classic sausage and pepper sandwiches.
• Spoon over cooked pasta, rice, or creamy polenta.
• Top baked potatoes for a hearty twist.
• Pair with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.
• Serve with sautéed greens for a low-carb option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze sausage and peppers in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.

FAQs

1. Do I have to brown the sausage first?

No, but browning adds extra flavor and helps the sausage hold its shape.

2. Can I use frozen sausage?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking.

3. What kind of sausage works best?

Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) works best, but bratwurst or kielbasa are good alternatives.

4. Can I add pasta directly to the crock pot?

No, cook pasta separately and serve the sausage and peppers on top.

5. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for 3–4 hours instead of 6–7 on low.

6. Will the peppers get too soft?

They’ll soften during cooking. Cut them thick or add them later if you prefer firmer texture.

7. Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Absolutely—it adds extra flavor and convenience.

8. Is this recipe spicy?

Only if you use hot sausage or add chili flakes. Use mild sausage for a kid-friendly version.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your crock pot is large enough to handle the quantity.

10. Can I make this without tomatoes?

Yes, use broth or a wine-based sauce instead for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal—simple, hearty, and full of bold Italian flavor. Whether you serve it sandwich-style, over pasta, or as part of a meal prep plan, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

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