Slow Cooker Sausage And Peppers Recipe

This mouthwatering Slow Cooker Sausage And Peppers is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy sausages nestled among colorful bell peppers and onions, all simmered in a savory marinara sauce – it’s comfort food that practically makes itself! With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic, creating a meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just a quick browning of the sausages, a bit of chopping, and your slow cooker does the rest. Perfect for those days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich, Developed Flavors: The slow cooking process allows the sausage flavors to meld beautifully with the peppers, onions, and marinara, creating a depth of flavor that’s impossible to achieve with quick cooking methods.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on hoagie rolls for classic sausage and pepper sandwiches, over pasta, polenta, or rice, or enjoy it straight from the bowl for a low-carb option.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it perfect for leftovers or meal planning.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive oil: Used for browning the sausages and adding a touch of richness to the dish.
• Pork sausage links: The star of the show – choose Italian sausages (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference) for the most authentic flavor.
• Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors (red, yellow, green) for visual appeal and slightly different flavor notes.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it slowly cooks down.
• Garlic: Brings essential aromatic flavor that permeates the entire dish.
• Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavors.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
• Marinara sauce: The saucy base that ties everything together. Use your favorite brand or homemade if you have it.

Variations

Want to customize this classic? Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

• Cheese It Up: Add slices of provolone or mozzarella on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Spice Lover’s Version: Use hot Italian sausages instead of mild and add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix.
• Wine-Infused: Add 1/4 cup of red wine to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant along with the peppers and onions.
• Different Protein: Try turkey or chicken sausages for a lighter option.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage And Peppers

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sausage links and cook for about 2 minutes per side, just until browned on the outside. Don’t worry about cooking them through – they’ll finish in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Base

In your slow cooker, combine the sliced bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so the vegetables are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Sausages

Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the vegetable mixture. Place the browned sausages on top of the vegetables.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours or on High for 2-3 hours, until the sausages are completely cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Brown the Sausages: Don’t skip this step! It creates a flavorful crust and helps the sausages hold their shape during slow cooking.
• Uniform Cutting: Slice your peppers and onions in similar widths so they cook evenly.
• Layer Properly: Keep the sausages on top of the vegetables to ensure they cook properly and don’t get lost in the sauce.
• Watch the Cooking Time: If you like your peppers with a bit more texture, check them after the minimum cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Since there are few ingredients, each one matters. Use good quality sausages and marinara sauce for the best results.

How to Serve

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

Classic Sandwich Style

Serve the sausages and peppers on toasted hoagie rolls or Italian bread, with some of the sauce spooned over the top. Add provolone cheese for an extra treat.

Over Starches

Spoon the sausages, peppers, and sauce over cooked pasta, creamy polenta, or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Low-Carb Option

Enjoy it straight from the bowl for a delicious low-carb meal, maybe with a side salad dressed with vinaigrette.

Potluck Star

This dish travels well and stays warm in the slow cooker, making it perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve with time!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the microwave, in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, or return to the slow cooker on Low until heated through.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the sausages first?
While you technically can skip this step, I don’t recommend it. Browning creates flavor through caramelization and helps the sausages maintain their texture during slow cooking. If you’re really pressed for time, you can skip it, but the final dish won’t be quite as flavorful.

Why are my peppers too soft?
If your peppers turned out mushy, your slow cooker might run hot or they cooked too long. Next time, try cutting them slightly thicker or reducing the cooking time. Some slow cookers have “hot spots,” so stirring once during cooking can help too.

Can I make this dish with frozen peppers?
Absolutely! Frozen peppers work great in this recipe and save prep time. No need to thaw them first—just add them directly to the slow cooker. You might want to drain any excess liquid halfway through cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is gluten-free as long as you check your sausages and marinara sauce for hidden gluten ingredients. Some sausages contain fillers with gluten, and some marinara sauces may contain additives with gluten. Read labels carefully if this is a concern.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Sausage And Peppers recipe is my go-to when I want something deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. There’s something magical about the combination of savory sausages, sweet peppers and onions, and rich marinara sauce that never fails to make dinner special. Give it a try next time you’re craving comfort food with minimal effort – I’m convinced this classic might become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

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