Name: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 packages Italian sausage links (19-ounce each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 bell peppers (mixed colors, sliced into strips); 2 onions (sliced into strips); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Ah, the scent of Italian sausage simmering with sweet bell peppers and onions is nothing short of irresistible, evoking warm memories of family dinners gathered around the kitchen table. As the aroma wafts through the house, it brings a sense of comfort and togetherness that makes any day feel special. Perhaps you remember a cozy gathering with friends, laughing over bowls filled with delicious food, or maybe it’s a busy weeknight when you need something hearty and satisfying without the fuss. Whatever the occasion, Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers transforms simple ingredients into an incredible meal that nourishes both the body and spirit.

Table of Contents

Why This Is The Best Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Tips for Success
Serve It With
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Tips & Variations
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

This dish is a go-to for busy weekdays, as it requires minimal prep time and lets the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. You can set it and forget it while you manage the other demands of life. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll discover a bubbling pot of vibrant colors and inviting flavors, all thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Trust me, every bite is an explosion of taste that leaves you wanting more. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe full of rich flavors and aromatic herbs, perfect for re-creating those cherished mealtime memories.

Why This Is The Best Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe

What makes this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe stand out is how effortlessly it turns fresh ingredients into a flavorful feast bursting with colors and aromas. In just 15 minutes, you can have everything prepped and loaded in your slow cooker, allowing you to savor that precious time away from the kitchen. The combination of savory Italian sausage paired with the sweetness of bell peppers creates a harmonious flavor profile that will leave your taste buds singing. Plus, it’s visually alluring with its vibrant array of peppers. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or as a crowd-pleaser at a potluck, it suits every occasion perfectly. The versatility doesn’t end there, as this dish can easily be made gluten-free or dairy-free with a few simple swaps, ensuring everyone can enjoy a hearty meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian sausage links (2 packages, 19-ounce each): These serve as the star of the dish, providing rich, bold flavors that are essential for a classic taste. You can use sweet or spicy sausage based on your preference. Turkey or chicken sausage works well for a lighter version, too.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for searing the sausage links, this oil adds depth to the dish through its rich flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute it with grapeseed oil or avocado oil.
Bell peppers (6, mixed colors, sliced into strips): A mix of red, green, yellow, and orange peppers creates a vibrant dish that not only looks appealing but also contributes various sweetness levels. Feel free to swap in other colors or varieties for a unique twist.
Onions (2, sliced into strips): Onions bring a flavorful aromatic base that complements the sweetness of the bell peppers beautifully. Vidalia or sweet onions can add a lovely, mild sweetness, whereas yellow onions yield a more robust flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic enhances the dish with its savory essence, elevating all the flavors. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch–use about half a teaspoon.
Marinara sauce (1 1/2 cups): This adds moisture and a medley of flavors that bind the ingredients together. Opt for your favorite jarred marinara or make your own for a fresher taste.
Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of herbs including oregano, basil, and thyme, this seasoning rounds out the flavor profile. You can also create your own blend if you wish to personalize it.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings that allow you to elevate the dish further by enhancing the other flavors.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Preheat and Sear

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the Italian sausage links in the skillet. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they’re beautifully browned and crisped, giving them that charred flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the tender vegetables later on. This step is crucial as it caramelizes flavorful compounds, enhancing the taste of your dish.

Combine Peppers and Onions

While the sausages are searing, go ahead and prepare your veggies! In your slow cooker, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. The combination of these veggies adds both texture and sweetness to your dish. Pour in the marinara sauce, followed by the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to blend those gorgeous flavors. It’s a lively and colorful mixture that seems to come to life in the slow cooker.

Arrange Sausages

Next, once your sausage links are perfectly seared, nestle them on top of the pepper and onion mix in the slow cooker. Don’t worry about fully cooking them; the slow cooking process will finish the job, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully with the marinara sauce and vegetables. Just imagine the succulent juices from the sausages mingling with the sauce as they cook away.

Set and Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 5 hours or on high for about 3 hours. During this time, the peppers and onions will become tender, while the sausages are fully cooked through. You’ll want to check on it occasionally and savor the aromatic scents wafting through your home—the anticipation is half the fun!

Stir and Serve

When the cooking time is finished, remove the lid and stir everything gently to combine the sausage and peppers with the marinara sauce. At this point, you might consider warming some hot dog buns in the oven, as they are perfect for serving alongside this dish. The warmth of the buns paired with the hearty sausage and peppers is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the sausages before adding them to the slow cooker creates a rich flavor that enhances the overall dish, so don’t rush this step!
Use a Variety of Peppers: Mixing colors adds visual appeal and varying flavors, making each bite a delight.
Monitor the Cooking Time: If using tougher sausage or different models of slow cookers, keep an eye on the dish toward the end of the cooking time to ensure everything is perfectly tender without overcooking.
Experiment with Marinara: Try different marinara sauces or even flavored versions. Homemade marinara can be an excellent option if you want to control the ingredients.
Let It Rest: Allow your dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and infuse together.

Serve It With

To make your meal even more delightful, consider pairing it with a crusty baguette for dipping, a side salad drizzled with vinaigrette, or a glass of hearty red wine. You can even serve the sausage and peppers on top of creamy polenta or rice for a comforting bowl of goodness. For a fun twist, place everything inside warm hot dog buns for a satisfying sausage sandwich that’s perfect for casual dining.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long), allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. At room temperature, it’s best to consume leftovers within 2 hours. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate it into smaller portions for more manageable reheating. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm it in a skillet until heated through. The wonderful flavors will still be intact; just remember that the texture of the peppers may soften further with each reheating.

Tips & Variations

Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or using spicy sausage links.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to create an even heartier dish.
Swap the Main: For those wishing to go meatless, replace the Italian sausage with eggplant or even tofu for a plant-based alternative.
Seasonal Variations: During the fall, consider adding butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a seasonal spin that adds sweetness and texture.
Cheesy Option: Once fully cooked, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for a cheesy twist.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen sausage?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but be sure to cook it longer to ensure it’s fully cooked through; typically increase cooking time by an hour.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply pop it in the slow cooker the next day when ready to cook.

What should I do if it’s too watery?
If you find your dish is too watery when finished, simply remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help evaporation and thicken up the sauce.

Can this dish be prepared in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot! Sauté the sausage, then add the veggies and sauce, and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a natural release.

As you gather your ingredients and set your slow cooker, remember that this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers dish is about more than just a meal; it’s about creating memories and savoring every delicious bite. With its incredible combination of flavors and aromas, you have all the tools to make dinnertime special. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe and feel free to get creative with your serving options. Happy cooking!

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