If you’re craving a dish that combines robust flavors with effortless cooking, this Crockpot Sausage and Peppers Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture juicy Italian sausages simmering slowly with sweet bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and rich crushed tomatoes all mingling together in your crockpot to create a comforting meal that fills your home with the most inviting aromas. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying and hearty with minimal hands-on time, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the vibrant bell peppers that add sweetness and color to the Italian sausages that provide a flavorful, savory base. These simple yet essential components come together beautifully to make a dish that’s both wholesome and delicious.
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: Acts as the rich, tangy sauce base that soaks into every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic depth that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a subtle earthy and herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Pinch coarse black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and balances the sweetness of the peppers.
- 2 pounds Italian sausages (hot, mild, or sweet): The star of the dish providing juicy, savory richness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a crisp bite and fresh flavor.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Contributes sweetness and bright color contrast.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers a vibrant color and mellow sweetness.
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced: Gives a soft texture and naturally sweet undertones.
- ¼ cup sliced fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh, fragrant finish when garnished.
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty topping that melts into the warm sauce.
- Sub rolls or cooked pasta: Perfect vehicles for sopping up the sauce and making the dish complete.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by placing everything except the fresh basil and parmesan cheese into your crockpot. This means the crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, Italian sausages, sliced bell peppers, and sweet onions all go in together. Use a gentle hand to mix the ingredients just enough for the flavors to start to mingle. This layering is what builds the complexity of the dish as it cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours if you’re short on time. The goal here is to let the sausages cook through fully while the peppers and onions soften, releasing their sweetness and blending perfectly with the tomato sauce. The slow simmer allows all the flavors to develop and marry, turning simple ingredients into something truly magical.
Step 3: Final Touches Before Serving
Once everything is cooked and you can smell that incredible aroma filling your kitchen, remove the lid. Sprinkle sliced fresh basil and shredded parmesan cheese over the top—these fresh, vibrant additions brighten up the rich sauce and add a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond just the fresh basil and parmesan the recipe suggests, consider adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a bit more heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also enhance the color and flavor for a truly tempting presentation.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Sausage and Peppers Recipe shines when paired with simple sides like crusty bread or warm sub rolls that are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, serving it over pasta, like spaghetti or rigatoni, turns this into a hearty Italian-inspired meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
You can also turn this dish into a loaded sandwich by piling the sausages and peppers into toasted hoagie buns topped with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese. Or, try the mixture as a filling for a savory crepe or alongside creamy polenta for a rustic twist that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Sausage and Peppers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen even more after a day, making it just as delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it looks a bit thick, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Be sure to sprinkle on some fresh basil and parmesan again for that fresh, just-cooked touch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic for this dish, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo to customize the flavor to your liking. Just adjust cooking times if necessary to ensure they are fully cooked.
Do I have to peel the garlic for the crockpot?
Yes, peeling the garlic cloves is best for this recipe. Minced peeled garlic blends nicely into the sauce and releases its flavor fully during the slow cooking process.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the sauté function to brown the sausages first and then pressure cook everything together. Just make sure to follow your Instant Pot instructions for cooking times, usually around 15 minutes on high pressure.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free if you serve the sausage and peppers over gluten-free pasta or enjoy them on gluten-free rolls. Always check your sausage labels to ensure they don’t contain any gluten fillers or additives.
How spicy can this dish be made?
You control the heat by your choice of sausage and how much black pepper or red pepper flakes you add. Opting for hot Italian sausage or adding extra crushed red pepper flakes will amp up the kick for those who love spicy dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Sausage and Peppers Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with hearty, comforting flavors, and flexible enough to suit your taste buds perfectly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fuss-free family dinner, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it, and it’ll likely become one of your go-to slow cooker meals.
Print
Crockpot Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Sausage and Peppers recipe featuring Italian sausages simmered in a flavorful crushed tomato sauce with garlic, bell peppers, onion, and Italian herbs. Perfect for an easy meal served on sub rolls or over pasta.
Ingredients
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomato (‘kitchen ready’)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- Pinch coarse black pepper
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds Italian sausages, hot or mild or sweet (about 10 sausages)
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced
Garnish and Serving
- ¼ cup sliced basil leaves
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Sub rolls or cooked pasta for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by slicing the bell peppers and sweet onion, and mincing the garlic cloves to ensure everything is ready for the crockpot.
- Combine in the crockpot: Add the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, Italian sausages, sliced green, yellow, and red bell peppers, and sliced onion into the crockpot. Gently mix all the ingredients to combine well without breaking up the sausages.
- Slow cook the sausages and vegetables: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the sausages are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the sausage and peppers mixture on sub rolls or over cooked pasta. Top with fresh basil leaves and shredded parmesan cheese for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Choose hot, mild, or sweet Italian sausages depending on your heat preference.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your crockpot’s size and heat settings.
- For a lower fat option, use turkey Italian sausages or chicken sausages.
- Make sure to slice vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
