Crock Pot Sausage Peppers

Sausage and peppers cooked low and slow in the Crock Pot make an easy dinner that fills your home with amazing aroma and comfort. The Italian sausage becomes juicy and tender while the bell peppers and onions soften into a flavorful base. It’s the kind of recipe that saves busy nights and brings everyone to the table without fuss.

The first time I made this, I loved how the sausages kept their texture even after hours in the Crock Pot. My family now requests this regularly because it tastes like a restaurant meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Italian sausages: the star of the dish, use sweet or spicy varieties depending on your preference, look for quality fresh sausages with natural casings for best flavor
• Red and green bell peppers: provide vibrant color and sweetness, pick firm, glossy peppers without wrinkles
• Yellow onions: add a natural sweetness and soften beautifully during cooking, select firm ones without soft spots
• Marinara sauce: a rich tomato base that coats the veggies and sausage, homemade or store-bought both work
• Butter: helps with searing the sausage to develop extra flavor and richness if you choose to brown them
• Garlic powder: adds a subtle, fragrant garlic note that compliments the sausage and peppers
• Italian seasoning: the blend of herbs that ties everything together
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors
• Tomato paste: boosts the tomato intensity and adds a slight thickness to the sauce, choose a good quality brand for the best taste

Instructions

Sauté the vegetables:

Slice the bell peppers and onions into strips. Transfer them to the Crock Pot. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning garlic powder salt and pepper. Pour the marinara sauce and tomato paste over the veggies and stir gently to combine.

Brown the sausages (optional but recommended):

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and brown them thoroughly on all sides. This step adds caramelized flavor and texture. Once browned, transfer the sausages into the Crock Pot on top of the coated vegetables.

Cook low and slow:

Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 2 hours. Stir the vegetables once or twice to make sure everything breaks down evenly. Then add the sausages if you have not already and continue cooking on low for another 4 hours, stirring carefully every hour or so. Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep sausages intact.

Slice and serve:

If you prefer sausage slices, carefully remove sausages from the slow cooker and let cool slightly. Slice into thick rounds and add back into the Crock Pot. Serve the mixture alone warm or pile it into hot dog buns or alongside pasta or rice.

Italian sausage is my favorite ingredient here because it carries so much richness and spices that season the entire pot. I remember the first time I served this to my extended family and everyone kept going back for seconds saying it tasted even better the next day.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To prolong shelf life transfer the dish into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave. This recipe keeps its texture and flavor even after freezing because the slow cooking softens the peppers and onions perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lower fat option swap Italian sausage for chicken or turkey sausage varieties. Use bell pepper mixes such as yellow orange or even poblano for different flavor profiles. Marinara sauce can be replaced with crushed tomatoes and extra Italian seasoning for a fresher take. Butter can be omitted if you prefer oil or want a dairy free option without affecting the flavor much.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe shines served simply on its own with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and crusty bread. Stuffed into toasted hoagie rolls for easy sandwiches that kids and adults both love. Over buttered pasta or creamy polenta for a comforting dinner with extra heartiness.

This slow-cooker sausage and peppers is a simple, satisfying meal that freezes and reheats beautifully. Browning the sausages first gives the best flavor.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How should I serve sausage and peppers?

Serve on hot dog buns, atop pasta or rice, or enjoy simply by itself for a hearty meal.

→ What side dishes pair well with sausage and peppers?

Try Southern fried potatoes, mac and cheese, grilled vegetables, or pasta salad for delicious accompaniment.

→ Can I cook this dish in the oven instead?

Yes, preheat to 400°F and bake sausage, peppers, and onions on a foil-lined sheet for 25-35 minutes, turning halfway.

→ Is it possible to add more sauce?

Absolutely, warmed marinara or your favorite sauce enhances moisture and flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers properly?

Keep in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.