Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

The tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked Italian sausages mingling with sweet bell peppers and onions is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Crockpot Sausage and Peppers is the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. This classic Italian-American dish transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. You’ll learn how to create this delicious, hands-off dinner that delivers tender sausages and perfectly cooked peppers in a rich, savory sauce every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this Crockpot Sausage and Peppers recipe. First, it’s incredibly convenient – just 15 minutes of prep, then your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. The magic happens as the sausages release their savory juices, creating a natural sauce that’s absorbed by the sweet, tender peppers and onions. The contrast between the juicy, flavorful sausages and the melt-in-your-mouth vegetables creates a textural symphony that’s utterly satisfying.

This dish is also remarkably versatile. Serve it as a hearty sandwich on crusty rolls, over pasta, with polenta, or alongside roasted potatoes for a complete meal. It’s perfect for meal prep too, as the flavors actually improve overnight. Budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing, this slow cooker sausage recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal effort – the hallmark of truly brilliant comfort food.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) Italian sausage links (sweet, hot, or a combination)
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into 1/2-inch strips
• 2 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

The Italian sausage is the star here – choose a combination of sweet and hot for balanced flavor. Fresh bell peppers provide vibrant color and natural sweetness, while the diced tomatoes and tomato paste create a rich base for the sauce that develops during slow cooking.

Pro Tips

Brown the sausages first: While this step is technically optional, taking 5-7 minutes to brown the sausages in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot makes a tremendous difference. This creates beautiful caramelization that enhances both the flavor and appearance of your Crockpot Sausage and Peppers.

Layer properly for even cooking: Place half the peppers and onions on the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the sausages, and top with the remaining vegetables. This prevents the sausages from sticking to the bottom and ensures everything cooks evenly in the flavorful juices.

Don’t add too much liquid: The sausages and vegetables will release plenty of moisture during cooking. Adding just a small amount of broth helps things get started, but too much will make the dish watery. If your sauce is too thin at the end, remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re not trying to cook them through – just developing color and flavor. Transfer the browned sausages to a plate.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the onion mixture to the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 3: Add half of the sliced bell peppers on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Place the browned sausages on top of the peppers, then add the remaining bell peppers over the sausages.

Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture evenly over the contents of the slow cooker.

Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the sausages are cooked through and the peppers are tender. For the best texture, avoid cooking longer than recommended as the vegetables can become too soft.

Step 6: Carefully transfer the sausages to a cutting board. If you prefer to serve them whole, they’re ready to go. If you’d like bite-sized pieces, slice the sausages into 1-inch pieces and return them to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine with the peppers, onions, and sauce.

Step 7: Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving your delicious Crockpot Sausage and Peppers. The fresh herb adds a bright flavor contrast to the rich, slow-cooked dish.

Variations

Crockpot Chicken Sausage and Peppers: For a lighter version, substitute Italian chicken or turkey sausages for the traditional pork sausages. These leaner options still provide excellent flavor but with less fat. You may want to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent the poultry sausages from drying out.

Spicy Sausage and Peppers: Kick up the heat by using all hot Italian sausages and adding 1-2 diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. The slow cooking process mellows the spice slightly while distributing the heat throughout the dish.

Mediterranean Sausage and Peppers: Add a Mediterranean twist by incorporating 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese just before serving. This variation pairs beautifully with orzo pasta or alongside a simple Greek salad.

Storage and Serving

Crockpot Sausage and Peppers keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead meal. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

Serve this versatile dish in multiple delicious ways:

1. 
   

   Classic Italian Hoagies: Load the sausage and pepper mixture onto toasted hoagie rolls or Italian bread, top with provolone cheese, and broil briefly until the cheese melts.

   
   
2. 
   

   Over Pasta: Serve atop al dente penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

   
   
3. 
   

   Comfort Food Bowl: Create a hearty bowl with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes as the base, topped with the sausage and pepper mixture and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

   
   

FAQs

Can I use frozen peppers in this recipe?
Yes, frozen peppers will work, though they may release more liquid and have a softer texture than fresh. If using frozen, reduce the chicken broth to 2 tablespoons.

Do I need to slice the sausages before cooking?
No, it’s best to cook them whole and slice afterward if desired. This helps retain their juiciness and flavor during the slow cooking process.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and many people find the flavors improve after a day in the refrigerator.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main dish is naturally gluten-free, but always check your sausage labels as some may contain fillers with gluten. Serve with gluten-free sides like polenta or rice instead of pasta or bread.

Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
Yes! Add 1 pound of baby potatoes or quartered red potatoes to make it a complete one-pot meal. Place them at the bottom of the crockpot with the first layer of onions and peppers.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Sausage and Peppers is comfort food at its finest — a simmering pot of savory sausages nestled among sweet, tender bell peppers in a rich tomato sauce that develops remarkable depth as it cooks. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation. Whether served as a hearty sandwich, over pasta, or alongside your favorite sides, this slow cooker classic transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort. Make this recipe part of your regular rotation, and discover why this timeless Italian-American favorite continues to win hearts and appetites everywhere.

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