Description
Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers is the ultimate hands-off comfort food. Juicy Italian sausages slow-cook with sweet bell peppers and onions in a rich tomato-based sauce, creating a deeply flavorful dish with minimal prep. Whether piled into hoagie rolls, served over pasta, or enjoyed as-is, this hearty recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Customize the spice level, add your favorite veggies, and let your slow cooker do all the work.
Ingredients
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2 lbs Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or spicy)
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3 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
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1 large onion, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or 2 cups marinara sauce
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1 tbsp olive oil (if browning sausages)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
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Optional Browning:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown sausages for 2–3 minutes per side. This adds flavor but is not required. -
Layer the Slow Cooker:
Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the bottom of the crock pot. -
Add Sausages and Sauce:
Place sausages on top of vegetables. Pour in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. -
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until sausages are fully cooked and vegetables are soft.
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Serve:
Serve whole or slice the sausages. Spoon over pasta, rice, or into hoagie rolls. Garnish with fresh basil or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
Browning the sausage before slow cooking adds extra depth of flavor.
Use a mix of bell pepper colors for a visually appealing, sweet result.
If sauce is thin, uncover the slow cooker and cook on high for the last 30 minutes.
Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
Use marinara for a sweeter, more seasoned sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: crock pot sausage, slow cooker sausage and peppers, Italian sausage recipe, hoagie filling, sausage dinner