Savory Slow-Cooked Hearty Crock Pot Sausage And Peppers Recipe

Savory sausage and peppers simmer to perfection in this classic crock pot recipe that promises comfort and flavor in every bite.

Tender italian sausage nestles alongside sweet bell peppers, creating a mouthwatering meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Slow cooking draws out deep, rich flavors that make this dish a standout dinner option.

The combination of juicy sausage and caramelized peppers transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into something special.

Minimal prep work means you can set the crock pot and focus on enjoying your evening.

Each serving delivers a hearty blend of protein and vegetables that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

This simple yet delicious recipe will become a new family favorite that everyone asks you to make again and again.

Cooking Sausage and Peppers in the Crock Pot Without Overdoing It

• Sear the Sausage (Optional)

Warm up a skillet and give those sausages a golden-brown makeover, creating a rich flavor base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Layer the Slow Cooker

Nestle the sausages into the crock pot, then blanket them with a colorful mix of sliced peppers, onions, and aromatic garlic.

• Splash on the Sauce

Drench the ingredients with marinara, then shower them with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and spices for an explosion of taste.

• Let the Magic Happen

Cover the crock pot and let everything simmer and meld together, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

• Serve and Savor

Once the sausages are perfectly cooked and the peppers are tender, decide whether to serve them whole or sliced. Pair with rice, pasta, or stuff into a toasty hoagie roll for a crowd-pleasing feast.

Flavor Ideas for Sausage and Peppers That Stand Out

• Quickly sear sausages in a hot skillet before slow cooking to develop a deeper, richer caramelized exterior that locks in extra taste and texture.
• Prep all ingredients the night before, store in the refrigerator, and pop into the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless dinner waiting when you return home.
• Replace traditional pork sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner protein option, and use gluten-free marinara sauce to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Experiment with different pepper varieties like poblano, anaheim, or sweet mini peppers to add unique flavor profiles and create exciting color combinations in the dish.
• Adjust heat by modifying red pepper flakes – use a pinch for mild warmth or go bold with a generous sprinkle for those who love a spicy kick in their meal.

Serving Sausage and Peppers as Subs or Over Rice

• Hearty Hoagie Hero: Slide the saucy sausage and peppers into crispy toasted hoagie rolls for a classic Italian-American sandwich packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
• Pasta Party Topper: Ladle the rich sausage and pepper mixture over al dente pasta like penne or rigatoni, letting the marinara sauce coat each noodle for a comforting meal that screams homestyle deliciousness.
• Rice Bowl Delight: Spoon the tender sausage and pepper medley over fluffy white or brown rice, creating a complete one-bowl meal that combines protein, vegetables, and savory sauce in every delectable bite.
• Game Day Appetizer: Slice sausages into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing party snack that will have guests coming back for more of this flavorful slow-cooker creation.

Store Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers for Busy Weeknights

• Cook double batches and freeze half in airtight containers for quick future dinners within 3 months.
• Keep leftovers in sealed containers for 34 days, ensuring best taste and food safety when refrigerated below 40°F.
• Warm gently in microwave or stovetop with splash of marinara to maintain moisture and prevent sausage from drying out.
• Divide into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers – What You’ll Need

• Italian Sausage: Brings robust, savory flavor and tender texture to the dish, choose fresh links with good marbling for maximum juiciness.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Provide sweet, caramelized undertones and crisp-tender texture, select colorful peppers for visual appeal and varied flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and earthy punch, opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced for more intense flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Delivers rich, tangy base that melds all ingredients together, choose high-quality jarred sauce or homemade for best results.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbs and complexity, look for blend with dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for more vibrant flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that introduces subtle heat and spicy kick, adjust quantity based on personal heat preference.

Tools That Keep Sausage and Peppers Cooking Evenly

• Slow Cooker/Crock Pot: Essential for hands-off, tender cooking of sausage and peppers.
• Large Skillet: Optional but recommended for browning sausage before slow cooking to develop deeper flavor.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing peppers, onions, and potential sausage serving.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and sausage preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring and transferring ingredients between pan and slow cooker.

Hearty Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers deliver Italian-American comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Succulent sausages nestled among sweet bell peppers create a mouthwatering meal you can savor without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 2 lbs Italian sausage links (mild, sweet, or spicy)
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Chopped parsley or grated Parmesan (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear Sausage: Create a rich, golden-brown exterior on sausages by quickly pan-searing in a skillet over medium heat, developing deep, caramelized flavor notes before transferring to the slow cooker.
2. Layer Aromatics: Strategically distribute sliced bell peppers, sweet onions, and minced garlic across the sausages, creating a vibrant and fragrant foundation for the dish.
3. Sauce and Season: Generously cascade marinara sauce over the layered ingredients, then sprinkle with robust Italian seasoning, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional fiery red pepper flakes to amplify the taste profile.
4. Slow Cook: Secure the crock pot lid and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together, cooking on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until sausages are thoroughly cooked and vegetables reach a tender, succulent consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Present the dish whole or slice sausages for easier consumption, pairing perfectly with fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or nestled within toasted, crusty hoagie rolls for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Brown sausages in a skillet before slow cooking to develop rich, caramelized flavors and create a more appetizing exterior.
• Cut peppers and onions into uniform thickness to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to match personal heat preferences, allowing flexibility for different taste sensitivities.
• This dish works perfectly as a versatile base for multiple meals – serve over pasta, stuff into hoagie rolls, or pair with rice for different dining experiences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg