Introduction

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is a classic Italian-American dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Using a slow cooker allows the sausages to cook low and slow, absorbing the sweet and tangy flavors of sautéed peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce.

This dish combines savory sausages, colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. The long, slow cooking process enhances flavors, ensuring tender meat and vegetables with a sauce that’s rich and comforting.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless yet packed with flavor. The slow cooker allows the sausages to cook to perfection, while the peppers and onions soften and sweeten, blending beautifully with the tomato sauce.

It’s versatile, filling, and satisfying, yet requires minimal prep. The aroma while cooking is irresistible, making the house smell like a cozy Italian kitchen. I also love that it reheats well, making leftovers even more flavorful the next day.

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it combines simple ingredients into a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Perfectly cooked sausages, sweet peppers, onions, and a rich sauce make a meal that’s flavorful, hearty, and visually appealing.

Whether served on its own, over pasta, or in sandwich rolls, it’s a versatile recipe that works for casual dinners, meal prep, and even party platters. Its simplicity and flavor make it a staple in any slow cooker recipe collection.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4–5 hours
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~400–450 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g) Italian sausages (mild, sweet, or spicy)
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: sandwich rolls, pasta, or rice for serving
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare vegetables: Slice bell peppers and onion; mince garlic.
2. Brown sausages (optional): In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown sausages on all sides for 3–4 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
3. Combine ingredients: Add sliced peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until sausages are fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve on its own, over pasta or rice, or in sandwich rolls.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Slice bell peppers and onion; mince garlic.
2. (Optional) Brown sausages in a skillet to enhance flavor.
3. Place sausages in slow cooker; add vegetables, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
4. Stir gently and cover.
5. Cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours until sausages are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve as desired.

How to Serve

Serve hot as a main dish:

• On its own with the sauce and peppers
• Over cooked pasta or rice
• In sandwich rolls for hearty sausage sandwiches

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Browning the sausages adds flavor but is optional.
• Adjust the seasoning for mild or spicy taste preferences.
• Use a mix of bell pepper colors for a visually appealing dish.
• Stir halfway through cooking for even distribution of sauce and vegetables.
• Leftovers taste even better after a day, as flavors meld.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausages and add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Cheesy Sausage Subs: Serve in hoagie rolls with melted provolone or mozzarella.
• Vegetable-Loaded: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for extra nutrition.
• Slow Cooker Freezer Meal: Assemble sausages, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasonings in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
• Red Wine Sauce: Add ½ cup red wine for a deeper, richer flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked sausage and peppers in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker / crockpot (4–6 quart)
• Skillet for optional browning
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausages?
A: Yes, but reduce slow cooking time to 1–2 hours to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, serve over rice or gluten-free pasta and avoid sandwich rolls that contain gluten.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes, mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant work well. Add during cooking.

Q: Can I cook frozen sausages?
A: Yes, but increase cooking time by 30–60 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, it stores well and can be portioned for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is a classic, flavorful, and effortless dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. The combination of tender sausages, sweet and savory peppers, onions, and rich tomato sauce creates a comforting, hearty meal. Serve over pasta, rice, or in sandwich rolls for a versatile and satisfying dinner. With minimal prep, long slow cooking, and bold flavors, this recipe is a must-have in your slow cooker collection.