When you think about comforting, mouth-watering meals that make life easier, the Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe stands out. This hearty dish brings together flavorful sausage, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection in one pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimum effort. You’ll love how the savory aromas fill your home as it cooks, making dinner something to genuinely look forward to.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
One of the best aspects of this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers dish is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that is bursting with flavor. The versatility of this recipe allows you to enjoy it in various ways—whether you’re scooping it onto a hoagie bun for a quick sandwich or serving it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Each option is delicious, making it suitable for all types of eaters. Plus, the slow cooking process melds all the flavors beautifully, resulting in a comforting dish that warms your heart.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
To create your perfect dish of Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 19-ounce package Italian Sausage Links (sweet or hot, 5-count)
- 2 large Bell Peppers (sliced; any color)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 14.5-ounce can Crushed Tomatoes
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Hoagie Buns
- Cooked Rice, Mashed Potatoes, or Cooked Pasta (for serving)
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Directions
Creating your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers dish is straightforward and fun. Start by browning the sausages in a large skillet over medium heat. As the sausages cook, you’ll notice the enticing aroma filling your kitchen. Make sure to turn them so that they get browned on all sides, which enhances their flavor. This step takes about 5-7 minutes and will ensure that your sausages retain their natural juices throughout the cooking process.
While the sausages are browning, take the time to prepare your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips and mince the garlic cloves. Once your sausages are nicely browned, carefully transfer them to the slow cooker.
Now, it’s time to layer your vegetables. Start with the sliced bell peppers, then add the onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. These will form a delicious base that will soak in the flavors as everything cooks together.
After layering the veggies, arrange the browned sausages on top. This stacking method allows the flavors to blend beautifully as the dish cooks. Next, pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over the sausage and vegetable mix. This will create a savory sauce that ties everything together.
For seasoning, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you desire a bit of heat), kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently to ensure the seasonings mix well with the sauce.
Now, cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method is ideal, allowing each ingredient to contribute to a rich flavor profile. When the cooking time is complete, you can slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces or serve them whole.
Before serving, give everything a good stir in the slow cooker to combine the juices and flavors. This dish is perfect for family meals or gatherings, and you’ll want to dig in as soon as it’s ready.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
When it’s finally time to serve your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers, you have plenty of delicious options. One popular way is to serve it on hoagie buns, which allows you to create satisfying sandwiches. The crusty bread perfectly complements the juicy sausage and tender peppers. Just slice the hoagie buns open, load them with the filling, and maybe add a sprinkle of cheese if you like.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, you can serve the sausage and peppers over a bed of cooked rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce and creates a filling meal that will satisfy any appetite.
Alternatively, you can pair this flavorful dish with creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth potatoes contrast wonderfully with the meaty sausage and chunky peppers, resulting in a delightful combination.
Cooked pasta makes another great choice. Just toss the sausage and peppers with your preferred pasta shape, and enjoy a bowlful of comfort that’s sure to please the whole family.
No matter how you decide to serve this dish, you can be sure it will be a delicious and satisfying meal.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
For a dish that’s all about flavor, a few tips can help elevate your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers even further. First and foremost, consider the type of sausage you choose. Whether you prefer sweet or hot Italian sausage, the flavor profile will impact the overall dish.
Don’t shy away from experimenting with your vegetable choices. While bell peppers and onions are the classics, adding other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms can introduce new textures and flavors. A mix of colors adds visual appeal as well—who doesn’t love a plate that looks as good as it tastes?
If you enjoy adding some zest to your meals, consider including some sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your comfort level, and feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
Lastly, monitor your slow cooker. If you find it cooks faster or slower than expected, adjust your cooking time. The beefiness of the sausage combined with the tender peppers and aromatic spices will guide you to the right timing.
How to Store Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers from your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers, you’re in for a treat! To store your dish, allow it to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents any unwanted odors in your refrigerator.
You can store the dish in the fridge for up to three days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Simply portion it into smaller containers or freezer-safe bags, making it easy to defrost only what you need later. This way, you’ll always have a comforting meal ready to go. Just remember to label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
When reheating, a microwave or stovetop works well. For best results, reheat slowly to prevent the sausage from drying out. You can reheat everything together with a splash of broth or water to keep the moisture.
Variation of Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
The beauty of Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is its versatility. You can tweak it and make it your own in countless ways. For instance, you could add beans to the mix. Cannellini beans or chickpeas would add a lovely creamy texture and boost the protein content.
If you want a different flavor profile, consider using different spices. Smoky paprika or ground cumin can add a unique twist to the traditional Italian herbs. You could also consider including diced tomatoes with green chilies for a spicy kick.
For a heartier meal, throw in some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes. They will absorb the sauce and make your dish more filling. You can experiment with various types of sausage too. Turkey or chicken sausage could be a leaner alternative, or you could explore regional varieties for different flavors.
No matter which variations you decide on, the base recipe will always keep you grounded in that comforting, fulfilling experience of Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers.
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is a simple and delicious dish that combines Italian sausage with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a savory sauce, all cooked together in a slow cooker to create a hearty meal.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
Cooking Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers typically takes about 5-7 hours on the low setting or 3-4 hours on the high setting.
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can switch out the sausages for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options to suit your dietary preferences.
What do you serve with Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
You can serve this dish with hoagie buns, over cooked rice, or alongside mashed potatoes or pasta for a fulfilling meal option.
How should I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
To store leftovers, let the dish cool and place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it for longer storage. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 19 ounces Italian Sausage Links (sweet or hot, 5-count)
- 2 large Bell Peppers (sliced; any color)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 14.5 ounces can Crushed Tomatoes
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional) Add for heat
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
For Serving
- Hoagie Buns
- Cooked Rice, Mashed Potatoes, or Cooked Pasta Options for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the sausages in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning to brown on all sides.
- Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips and mince the garlic cloves.
- Transfer the browned sausages to the slow cooker.
Layering Ingredients
- Layer the sliced bell peppers at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced onions and minced garlic on top.
- Arrange the browned sausages on top of the vegetables.
Cooking
- Pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over the sausage and vegetable mix.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serving
- Once cooked, stir the mixture in the slow cooker and serve on hoagie buns, rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!